Liberty Seated Dollar Values
How Much Liberty Seated Dollar
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 | -- | -- | $508 | $581 | $747 | $1,163 | $1,965 | $5,975 | $22,550 | $52,300 | -- | -- |
| 1841 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $527 | $583 | $692 | $963 | $1,535 | $3,790 | $8,850 | $44,495 | $91,250 | -- |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $448 | $504 | $564 | $912 | $1,145 | $2,945 | $5,420 | $34,995 | -- | -- |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $448 | $504 | $564 | $874 | $1,120 | $2,589 | $6,750 | $34,995 | -- | -- |
| 1844 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $515 | $595 | $742 | $1,190 | $1,785 | $5,838 | $14,525 | $63,995 | $91,250 | -- |
| 1845 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $570 | $675 | $780 | $1,245 | $1,827 | $6,225 | $25,450 | $77,500 | -- | -- |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $448 | $504 | $564 | $874 | $1,120 | $2,033 | $6,088 | $9,625 | $80,750 | -- |
| 1846 | O | -- | -- | $482 | $552 | $628 | $1,038 | $1,715 | $6,638 | $23,650 | $45,625 | $125,000 | -- |
| 1847 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $448 | $504 | $564 | $874 | $1,120 | $2,933 | $4,840 | $9,935 | $86,495 | -- |
| 1848 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $623 | $753 | $908 | $1,965 | $2,490 | $6,363 | $14,525 | $53,650 | $100,000 | $200,000 |
| 1849 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $515 | $595 | $717 | $990 | $1,405 | $3,015 | $6,475 | $13,000 | $109,250 | $150,000 |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $830 | $1,038 | $1,425 | $2,490 | $3,763 | $6,500 | $17,700 | $35,675 | -- | -- |
| 1850 | O | -- | -- | $509 | $651 | $1,063 | $1,868 | $3,625 | $12,120 | $35,400 | $110,750 | $137,500 | -- |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $13,000 | $14,825 | $17,700 | $24,750 | $33,600 | $49,500 | $82,125 | $105,400 | $216,000 | -- |
| 1852 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $13,750 | $17,600 | $24,200 | $29,850 | $33,450 | $45,075 | $91,250 | $115,300 | $196,500 | -- |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $753 | $963 | $1,273 | $2,185 | $2,655 | $4,620 | $8,240 | $13,000 | $88,500 | $175,000 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,420 | $4,010 | $5,640 | $9,175 | $12,650 | $19,000 | $26,650 | $34,800 | $96,250 | $175,000 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,460 | $3,510 | $4,725 | $7,790 | $11,000 | $15,975 | $42,300 | $177,000 | -- | -- |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,245 | $1,895 | $2,365 | $3,790 | $4,870 | $8,630 | $17,700 | $23,800 | -- | -- |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,065 | $1,425 | $1,950 | $2,960 | $4,025 | $5,975 | $7,800 | $14,663 | $72,500 | $124,500 |
| 1859 | S | -- | -- | $997 | $1,245 | $1,770 | $2,350 | $5,115 | $10,175 | $22,950 | $67,250 | $137,500 | -- |
| 1859 | O | -- | -- | $448 | $504 | $564 | $874 | $1,120 | $2,033 | $4,840 | $7,910 | $46,095 | -- |
| 1859 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $700 | $778 | $908 | $1,398 | $2,075 | $4,510 | $7,140 | $13,810 | $75,500 | $125,000 |
| 1860 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $490 | $595 | $755 | $1,245 | $1,688 | $3,070 | $5,060 | $8,630 | $52,300 | $125,000 |
| 1860 | O | -- | -- | $448 | $504 | $564 | $874 | $1,120 | $2,033 | $4,840 | $7,910 | $40,650 | $112,000 |
| 1861 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,715 | $2,490 | $3,070 | $4,190 | $5,420 | $8,050 | $10,400 | $13,275 | $51,750 | $135,000 |
| 1862 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,008 | $1,300 | $2,130 | $4,650 | $5,725 | $7,550 | $8,960 | $12,760 | $57,250 | -- |
| 1863 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,300 | $1,825 | $2,545 | $3,540 | $4,038 | $6,280 | $8,630 | $13,150 | $42,465 | $114,750 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $885 | $1,300 | $1,880 | $2,710 | $4,288 | $7,440 | $10,430 | $16,325 | $80,495 | $135,000 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $830 | $1,038 | $1,840 | $2,835 | $3,305 | $5,450 | $12,450 | $22,150 | $70,250 | -- |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | Motto | -- | $485 | $648 | $725 | $1,320 | $1,660 | $2,960 | $6,225 | $12,125 | $62,250 | $112,000 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | No Motto | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,500,000 | $1,800,000 | -- |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $725 | $1,033 | $1,165 | $1,660 | $2,130 | $4,370 | $7,550 | $13,050 | $44,495 | -- |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $520 | $628 | $808 | $1,465 | $2,045 | $4,120 | $7,880 | $21,300 | $65,000 | $98,800 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $498 | $570 | $753 | $1,065 | $1,480 | $3,015 | $4,950 | $12,340 | $75,500 | $112,000 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $435 | $494 | $564 | $800 | $1,107 | $2,475 | $4,340 | $6,775 | $46,750 | $98,800 |
| 1870 | CC | -- | -- | $2,213 | $3,125 | $4,010 | $6,000 | $7,990 | $24,900 | $40,650 | $150,750 | -- | -- |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $435 | $494 | $543 | $789 | $1,109 | $2,310 | $4,307 | $6,918 | $48,675 | $102,430 |
| 1871 | CC | -- | -- | $7,510 | $9,450 | $11,750 | $17,700 | $24,200 | $85,750 | $180,850 | $298,750 | -- | -- |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $435 | $494 | $543 | $767 | $1,065 | $2,310 | $4,120 | $6,390 | $49,995 | $98,800 |
| 1872 | CC | -- | -- | $3,195 | $3,900 | $4,840 | $9,350 | $14,325 | $24,350 | $159,250 | $238,000 | $343,000 | -- |
| 1872 | S | -- | -- | $1,032 | $1,425 | $1,895 | $3,100 | $4,565 | $14,250 | $37,900 | $94,400 | -- | -- |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Seated | -- | $435 | $494 | $543 | $783 | $1,605 | $3,900 | $5,780 | $8,300 | $49,500 | $101,000 |
| 1873 | CC | Seated | -- | $18,700 | $21,075 | $23,450 | $35,675 | $53,650 | $135,000 | $248,750 | $365,000 | $558,750 | -- |
Liberty Seated Dollar: A Classic of 19th-Century Coinage
Struck from 1840 to 1873, the Liberty Seated Dollar was a pivotal part of U.S. coinage during a time of national expansion and economic change. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this coin introduced a refined depiction of Liberty that endured across multiple denominations for decades. With its graceful imagery, historical significance, and scarce surviving examples, the Liberty Seated Dollar remains a treasured find for collectors.
A Design Rooted in National Identity
The Liberty Seated Dollar was part of a broader effort to standardize American coinage. Christian Gobrecht’s design, first seen on pattern coins in the late 1830s, was officially adopted for the dollar in 1840.
The obverse portrays Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield with “LIBERTY” inscribed across it. She grasps a pole topped with a Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom. The reverse features a majestic eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch representing defense and peace.
Over its production run, the series underwent several notable design modifications:
- No Motto (1840–1865) – Early issues omitted “IN GOD WE TRUST” from the reverse.
- With Motto (1866–1873) – The phrase was added above the eagle following the Civil War, aligning with other U.S. coinage.
- Trade Dollar Transition (1873) – The Liberty Seated Dollar was discontinued in favor of the Trade Dollar, which was intended for overseas commerce.
Why Numismatists Seek the Liberty Seated Dollar
Due to its limited mintage, multiple design changes, and role in pre-Civil War and Reconstruction-era America, the Liberty Seated Dollar is a highly desirable coin. Many were melted or heavily circulated, making well-preserved examples especially valuable.
Collector’s Checklist: Important Considerations
- Where to Search: These coins are most commonly found through high-end coin auctions, estate collections, and reputable numismatic dealers.
- Defining Characteristics: Look for well-defined Liberty details, strong strikes, and minimal wear, particularly in earlier issues.
- Long-Term Preservation: Given their silver content and age, these coins should be stored in certified holders to prevent environmental damage.
The Pinnacle of Rarity: The 1870-S Liberty Seated Dollar
The 1870-S Liberty Seated Dollar is one of the greatest rarities in American coinage, with only a handful of known examples. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this elusive coin often fetches six-figure sums at auction.
Investment Perspective: A Store of Value in Silver
With its high silver content, historical significance, and scarcity, the Liberty Seated Dollar holds strong investment appeal. High-grade specimens and low-mintage varieties have consistently appreciated, making them a solid addition to any numismatic portfolio.
Key Dates and Hard-to-Find Varieties
Notable issues in this series include:
- 1851 Liberty Seated Dollar – A low-mintage year, highly collectible.
- 1858 Liberty Seated Dollar – Scarce in higher grades due to extensive circulation.
- 1870-S Liberty Seated Dollar – One of the most famous American coin rarities.
- Noteworthy Errors: Double dies, misaligned dies, and overdates add an extra layer of desirability.
Gobrecht’s Influence and the Legacy of the Seated Liberty Design
Christian Gobrecht’s Liberty Seated motif became the foundation for several U.S. denominations, appearing on half dimes, dimes, quarters, and half dollars for decades. Its enduring influence speaks to the grace and timelessness of 19th-century coinage.
A Testament to America’s Early Economy
More than just a collectible, the Liberty Seated Dollar represents a formative period in U.S. history, from westward expansion to post-Civil War recovery. Owning one of these coins is like holding a tangible piece of America’s early financial system, a relic of an era when silver dollars were a crucial part of everyday commerce.
