Liberty Seated Dollar Values
How Much Liberty Seated Dollars are Worth: Liberty Seated Dollar Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1840 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $519 | $587 | $758 | $1,163.00 | $1,890.00 | $5,975.00 | $24,550.00 | $57,300.00 | -- | -- |
| 1841 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $538 | $588 | $690 | $1,029.00 | $1,638.00 | $4,040.00 | $9,100.00 | $44,495.00 | $91,250.00 | -- |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $447 | $522 | $629 | $949 | $1,288.00 | $2,945.00 | $5,795.00 | $8,960.00 | -- | -- |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $447 | $522 | $613 | $909 | $1,262.00 | $2,839.00 | $8,500.00 | $34,995.00 | -- | -- |
| 1844 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $495 | $603 | $794 | $1,410.00 | $2,510.00 | $7,025.00 | $14,525.00 | $63,995.00 | $91,250.00 | -- |
| 1845 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $598 | $730 | $849 | $1,369.00 | $2,363.00 | $6,500.00 | $27,950.00 | $77,500.00 | -- | -- |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $447 | $522 | $613 | $909 | $1,288.00 | $2,374.00 | $6,713.00 | $9,875.00 | $80,750.00 | -- |
| 1846 | O | -- | -- | $509 | $613 | $743 | $1,295.00 | $1,880.00 | $7,425.00 | $30,000.00 | $47,000.00 | $101,000.00 | -- |
| 1847 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $447 | $522 | $640 | $949 | $1,313.00 | $2,808.00 | $4,965.00 | $9,935.00 | $86,495.00 | -- |
| 1848 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $768 | $938 | $1,283.00 | $2,405.00 | $3,165.00 | $7,388.00 | $18,400.00 | $56,150.00 | $91,250.00 | $171,500.00 |
| 1849 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $526 | $601 | $703 | $1,015.00 | $1,405.00 | $3,140.00 | $6,850.00 | $13,750.00 | $109,250.00 | $150,000.00 |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $995 | $1,230.00 | $1,673.00 | $3,070.00 | $4,150.00 | $7,050.00 | $18,950.00 | $38,175.00 | -- | -- |
| 1850 | O | -- | -- | $545 | $651 | $1,038.00 | $1,793.00 | $3,375.00 | $12,010.00 | $37,900.00 | $115,750.00 | $137,500.00 | -- |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $13,000.00 | $14,825.00 | $17,700.00 | $24,750.00 | $33,600.00 | $54,500.00 | $83,800.00 | $110,400.00 | $216,000.00 | -- |
| 1852 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $13,750.00 | $17,600.00 | $24,200.00 | $29,850.00 | $33,450.00 | $50,075.00 | $103,750.00 | $135,300.00 | $209,000.00 | -- |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $753 | $963 | $1,198.00 | $2,185.00 | $2,780.00 | $5,120.00 | $8,240.00 | $13,000.00 | $103,500.00 | $225,000.00 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,640.00 | $4,230.00 | $5,888.00 | $9,175.00 | $11,825.00 | $18,300.00 | $22,700.00 | $26,825.00 | $93,250.00 | $153,000.00 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,585.00 | $3,885.00 | $4,975.00 | $7,790.00 | $11,000.00 | $17,475.00 | $43,550.00 | $182,000.00 | -- | -- |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,465.00 | $2,335.00 | $3,025.00 | $4,450.00 | $5,750.00 | $10,575.00 | $20,050.00 | $28,500.00 | -- | -- |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,175.00 | $1,645.00 | $2,668.00 | $4,120.00 | $5,200.00 | $8,100.00 | $11,415.00 | $16,375.00 | $72,250.00 | $127,650.00 |
| 1859 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $700 | $778 | $908 | $1,398.00 | $2,075.00 | $4,510.00 | $7,050.00 | $14,690.00 | $75,500.00 | $135,000.00 |
| 1859 | O | -- | -- | $447 | $522 | $613 | $909 | $1,262.00 | $2,283.00 | $4,715.00 | $9,160.00 | $46,810.00 | -- |
| 1859 | S | -- | -- | $1,038.00 | $1,355.00 | $1,880.00 | $3,439.00 | $5,115.00 | $10,175.00 | $23,800.00 | $64,500.00 | $137,500.00 | -- |
| 1860 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $501 | $601 | $755 | $1,495.00 | $1,849.00 | $3,120.00 | $5,060.00 | $8,630.00 | $52,300.00 | $145,000.00 |
| 1860 | O | -- | -- | $447 | $522 | $613 | $909 | $1,262.00 | $2,283.00 | $4,715.00 | $7,910.00 | $43,700.00 | $107,650.00 |
| 1861 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,238.00 | $2,930.00 | $3,345.00 | $4,465.00 | $5,640.00 | $9,150.00 | $12,850.00 | $18,800.00 | $50,500.00 | $135,000.00 |
| 1862 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,258.00 | $1,625.00 | $2,255.00 | $4,150.00 | $5,725.00 | $7,550.00 | $8,960.00 | $12,760.00 | $59,750.00 | -- |
| 1863 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,410.00 | $1,985.00 | $2,738.00 | $3,650.00 | $4,148.00 | $6,280.00 | $8,630.00 | $13,150.00 | $43,070.00 | $110,400.00 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $885 | $1,425.00 | $1,930.00 | $2,710.00 | $4,288.00 | $7,440.00 | $10,430.00 | $20,075.00 | $80,495.00 | $145,000.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $830 | $1,038.00 | $1,840.00 | $2,835.00 | $3,305.00 | $5,825.00 | $11,950.00 | $22,150.00 | $72,750.00 | -- |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | Motto | -- | $535 | $685 | $788 | $1,370.00 | $1,885.00 | $3,135.00 | $6,225.00 | $12,125.00 | $59,500.00 | $112,000.00 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | No Motto | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,650,000.00 | $2,100,000.00 | -- |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $725 | $1,033.00 | $1,165.00 | $1,660.00 | $2,505.00 | $4,620.00 | $7,550.00 | $13,050.00 | $44,495.00 | -- |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $520 | $628 | $808 | $1,590.00 | $2,145.00 | $4,245.00 | $7,755.00 | $21,300.00 | $62,250.00 | $98,800.00 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $498 | $595 | $753 | $1,065.00 | $1,430.00 | $3,265.00 | $4,825.00 | $11,840.00 | $72,750.00 | $114,500.00 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $410 | $469 | $539 | $787 | $1,032.00 | $2,475.00 | $4,965.00 | $7,525.00 | $43,000.00 | $98,800.00 |
| 1870 | CC | -- | -- | $2,460.00 | $3,470.00 | $4,273.00 | $6,913.00 | $8,295.00 | $24,900.00 | $44,550.00 | $150,750.00 | -- | -- |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $410 | $469 | $518 | $776 | $1,034.00 | $2,393.00 | $5,060.00 | $7,340.00 | $44,925.00 | $102,430.00 |
| 1871 | CC | -- | -- | $8,635.00 | $10,450.00 | $12,250.00 | $18,750.00 | $25,025.00 | $83,250.00 | $193,350.00 | $311,250.00 | -- | -- |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $410 | $469 | $518 | $754 | $990 | $2,310.00 | $4,620.00 | $6,515.00 | $48,495.00 | $98,800.00 |
| 1872 | CC | -- | -- | $3,305.00 | $4,010.00 | $4,950.00 | $9,460.00 | $14,325.00 | $24,350.00 | $171,750.00 | $250,500.00 | $368,000.00 | -- |
| 1872 | S | -- | -- | $1,303.00 | $1,590.00 | $2,060.00 | $3,265.00 | $4,730.00 | $14,250.00 | $45,400.00 | $106,900.00 | -- | -- |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Seated | -- | $410 | $469 | $518 | $771 | $1,530.00 | $4,150.00 | $7,030.00 | $9,550.00 | $45,750.00 | $101,000.00 |
| 1873 | CC | Seated | -- | $19,450.00 | $22,075.00 | $24,700.00 | $34,425.00 | $48,675.00 | $154,500.00 | $273,750.00 | $390,000.00 | $596,250.00 | -- |
History of the Liberty Seated Dollar
The Liberty Seated Dollar, struck from 1840 to 1873, stands as one of the most recognizable coins of 19th-century American numismatics. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, it embodied the young nation’s ideals of freedom, unity, and economic growth during a period of westward expansion and rapid industrialization. The coin marked a major shift in U.S. currency: it replaced the earlier Gobrecht dollar patterns and resumed significant production of silver dollars beginning in 1840 after a period of limited output.
The obverse design features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield inscribed with “LIBERTY”, symbolizing national defense, and a pole topped with a Phrygian cap, representing freedom. The reverse depicts an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, time-honored symbols of strength and peace.
Throughout its 33-year production run, the Liberty Seated Dollar underwent several important design transitions:
- No Motto (1840–1865): Early coins omitted the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- With Motto (1866–1873): Added after the Civil War to reflect renewed national unity and religious sentiment.
- Trade Dollar Transition (1873): The series concluded when the Liberty Seated Dollar was replaced by the Trade Dollar, intended primarily for commerce with Asia.
These design changes, combined with limited mintages and the turbulent economic events of the mid-19th century, make this series one of the most studied and collected in U.S. coinage.
Rarest Coins in the Series
The Liberty Seated Dollar value is largely determined by rarity, condition, and historical context. While several issues are scarce, a few stand out as notable among collectors:
- 1870-S Liberty Seated Dollar: The most famous and elusive of the series, with only a handful known to exist. Struck at the San Francisco Mint (possibly as presentation pieces), this issue has sold for six-figure prices at major auctions.
- 1851 and 1852 Liberty Seated Dollars: Extremely low mintages (only 1,300 and 1,100 coins, respectively) make these two Philadelphia issues exceptionally rare in any condition.
- 1858 Liberty Seated Dollar: Scarce in Mint State (MS) due to heavy circulation during the pre–Civil War economy.
- 1866 No Motto: A transitional variety is the 1866 ‘No Motto’ coin (one of the very few produced before the design change to include “IN GOD WE TRUST”), making it notable for its historical significance.
Collectors also pursue varieties such as overdates (e.g., 1849/8) and repunched dates, which reflect the Mint’s manual engraving processes during the era.
Types of Collections
The Liberty Seated Dollar appeals to collectors of all levels, with multiple collecting strategies available:
- Type Set Collectors: Include one representative example, either “No Motto” or “With Motto,” to complete a U.S. silver dollar type set.
- Date and Mintmark Sets: Advanced collectors often pursue one coin from each year and mint. Mintmarks include Philadelphia (no mintmark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), and Carson City (CC).
- Specialized Varieties: Collectors interested in errors and die varieties find numerous challenges within the series, such as doubled dies, repunched dates, and die cracks that reveal early Mint techniques.
The diversity of options and varying price points make the Liberty Seated Dollar a rewarding pursuit for enthusiasts across experience levels.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
For beginners, later-date coins from the “With Motto” period (1866–1873) often represent the more accessible part of the series. While they are still historic and collectible, they typically cost less than the rare-mint pieces, making them a manageable entry point for new collectors.
Advanced Collecting
Advanced collectors, on the other hand, chase rarities like the 1870-S or low-mintage Philadelphia and New Orleans issues. Mint State and proof examples, often with deep mirror surfaces, are sought after and command significant premiums. Authentication and certification by trusted third parties are essential for high-value coins, as counterfeits and altered dates occasionally appear in the market.
Collectors evaluating Liberty Seated Dollar value should pay particular attention to strike sharpness, luster, and surface preservation, as these heavily influence grading and pricing.
Investment Potential
Beyond its historical and artistic appeal, the Liberty Seated Dollar remains a notable collector and investment coin. Its combination of rarity, high silver content, and deep ties to U.S. monetary history makes it a cornerstone of many serious collections.
Coins from this series were often melted during the 19th century due to changing silver prices, leaving far fewer survivors than originally minted. As a result, even mid-grade examples enjoy consistent demand among both investors and historians. High-grade or proof specimens have shown consistent appreciation over the decades, particularly those with outstanding preservation or well-documented provenance.
The coin’s legacy extends far beyond its face value. It represents an era of transformation, resilience, and national pride. For those seeking a tangible link to America’s formative years, the Liberty Seated Dollar is both a historical treasure and a valuable numismatic collectible.