Seated Liberty Dollar Value
1840–1873 · $1 · 90% silver, 10% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $200.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $300.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $500.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $1,500 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $4,500 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $22,500 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1870-S | Only 1 confirmed example — legendary rarity | $1,000,000+ |
| 1851 | Original mintage of only 1,300 business strikes | $5,000–$40,000 |
| 1852 | Very low mintage of only 1,100 | $5,000–$40,000 |
| 1858 | Proof only, no business strikes produced | $3,000–$15,000 |
| 1866 No Motto | Transitional without IN GOD WE TRUST | $800–$5,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Christian Gobrecht
- Years
- 1840–1873
- Denomination
- $1
- Composition
- 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter
- 38.1 mm
- Weight
- 26.73 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Seated Liberty Dollar: History & Background
The Seated Liberty Dollar was designed by Christian Gobrecht and features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole with a cap. The reverse displays a naturalistic flying eagle, considered one of the finest eagle designs in US numismatics. Production was suspended from 1853 to 1859 as silver bullion value exceeded face value due to the California Gold Rush driving silver prices up. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the reverse in 1866 following the Civil War. The coin was discontinued in 1873 when Congress passed the Coinage Act, replacing it with the Trade Dollar.
How to Grade a Seated Liberty Dollar
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 →