1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) Value
1804 (struck 1834-1859) · $1 · 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $2,000,000 |
| Good (G-4) | $3,000,000 |
| Fine (F-12) | $5,000,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $8,000,000 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $24,000,000 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $120,000,000 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1804 Class I | Original striking, 8 known — sold for $7.68 million in 2021 | $3,000,000–$10,000,000 |
| 1804 Class III | Restrike, 6 known — still extremely valuable | $1,500,000–$5,000,000 |
| 1804 Class II | Unique specimen in Smithsonian collection | Priceless |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Robert Scot
- Years
- 1804 (struck 1834-1859)
- Denomination
- $1
- Composition
- 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
- Diameter
- 39.5 mm
- Weight
- 26.96 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins): History & Background
The 1804 Silver Dollar is called the 'King of American Coins' and is one of the most famous and valuable coins in the world. Despite bearing the date 1804, no silver dollars were actually struck that year — the known specimens were produced in 1834 and later as diplomatic gifts and for collectors. Only 15 specimens are known: 8 Class I (original strikings from 1834), 1 Class II, and 6 Class III (restrikes from the late 1850s). The most recent sale of a Class I specimen brought over $7.68 million in 2021.
How to Grade a 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins)
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins)s is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $2,000,000 in Poor to $8,000,000 in Uncirculated — a 4× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $24,000,000 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) series has 3 notable key dates. The 1804 Class I is valued at $3,000,000–$10,000,000, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Precious Metal Content
With a composition of 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper and a weight of 26.96g, the 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When silver prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Robert Scot, the 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) (39.5mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins)
The 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) (1804 (struck 1834-1859)) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Robert Scot, this $1 coin was struck in 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper with a diameter of 39.5mm and weight of 26.96 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $5,000,000 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 3 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $24,000,000+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins): Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) worth today?
A 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) (1804 (struck 1834-1859)) is worth between $2,000,000 in Poor condition and $8,000,000 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $5,000,000. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $24,000,000 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of silver.
▶What is the most valuable 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins)?
The most valuable 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) is the 1804 Class I — original striking, 8 known — sold for $7.68 million in 2021. This date is valued at $3,000,000–$10,000,000 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins)?
Grading a 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$5,000,000) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$8,000,000) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins)s?
For common-date 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins)s in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins)?
Yes. Known 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) is real?
Authentic 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins)s weigh 26.96 grams and measure 39.5 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) the most?
The four biggest value drivers for 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins)s are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $5,000,000 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1804 Class I command large premiums; (3) Silver spot price — sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins)s were made?
The 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) was produced from 1804 (struck 1834-1859). Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1804 Class I is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins)?
Never clean a 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) a good investment?
1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins)s in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic silver value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all 1804 Silver Dollar (King of American Coins) dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.