Information about effigy: Liberty, Seated

The concept of liberty has frequently been represented by personifications, often loosely shown as a female classical goddess. Examples include Marianne, the national personification of the French Republic and its values of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, the female Liberty portrayed on United States coins, and many others. These descend from images on ancient Roman coins of the Roman goddess Libertas and from various developments from the Renaissance onwards. The Dutch Maiden was among the first, re-introducing the cap of liberty on a liberty pole featured in many types of image, though not using the Phrygian cap style that became conventional (the Phrygian cap as a symbol dates back to Ancient Rome where such caps were worn by emancipated ex-slaves). The 1886 Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World) by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi is a well-known example in art, a gift from France to the United States.

Note that Liberty is called Miss Liberty or Ms. Liberty in an American context, and not Lady Liberty as elsewhere.

The Seated Liberty portrait designs appeared on most regular-issue silver United States coinage from 1836 through 1891. The denominations which featured the Goddess of Liberty in a Seated Liberty design include the half dime, the dime, the quarter, the half dollar, and until 1873 the silver dollar. Another coin that appeared exclusively in the Seated Liberty design was the twenty cent piece. This coin was produced from 1875 to 1878, and was discontinued because it looked very similar to the quarter. Seated Liberty coinage was minted at the main United States Mint in Philadelphia, as well as the branch mints in New Orleans, San Francisco, and Carson City.

On some coin types, Liberty is also depicted standing, or as a portrait only.

Seated Liberty with stars

United States / Half Dime 1866 Seated Liberty

For most of the time while the image was used, Miss Liberty was shown surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Seated Liberty with stars

United States / Half Dime 1857 Seated Liberty

Between 1838 and 1868, Miss Liberty was shown surrounded by thirteen stars - symbols of the first 13 States in the Union.

Seated Liberty with stars

United States / One Dime 1837 Seated Liberty

In earlier days, Miss Liberty was shown with only the date below and no stars.