During the early years of production, the Seated Liberty Dollar underwent several notable changes, which reflected the evolution of both the coin and the nation itself. These changes included alterations to the size and weight of the coin, as well as revisions to the design elements.
In 1853, the weight of the coin was reduced to 412.5 grains, while the diameter was increased to 38.1mm, a modification that aimed to make the coin more practical for everyday transactions. This change was met with mixed reactions, but it marked a significant shift in the coin’s history.
One of the most significant alterations to the Seated Liberty Dollar occurred in 1866 when the motto “In God We Trust” was added to the reverse side of the coin. This addition was made in response to the growing sentiment of religiosity and piety in the United States during the mid-19th century. It reflected the nation’s desire to acknowledge a higher power in the aftermath of the Civil War and during the period of Reconstruction.
The Seated Liberty Dollar played a vital role in the American economy during its years in circulation. It was widely accepted as a medium of exchange for goods and services, both domestically and internationally. Merchants, traders, and ordinary citizens used it in their daily transactions. However, over time, the coin’s popularity began to wane, and several factors contributed to its eventual replacement in 1873.
