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 →
What Affects Seated Liberty Dollar Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Seated Liberty Dollars is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $200.00 in Poor to $1,500 in Uncirculated — a 8× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $4,500 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Seated Liberty Dollar series has 5 notable key dates. The 1870-S is valued at $1,000,000+, 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 90% silver, 10% copper and a weight of 26.73g, the Seated Liberty Dollar 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 Christian Gobrecht, the Seated Liberty Dollar (38.1mm 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: Seated Liberty Dollar
The Seated Liberty Dollar (1840–1873) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this $1 coin was struck in 90% silver, 10% copper with a diameter of 38.1mm and weight of 26.73 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Seated Liberty Dollar 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 $500.00 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 5 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Seated Liberty Dollar in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $4,500+ 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 Seated Liberty Dollar 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.
Seated Liberty Dollar: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Seated Liberty Dollar worth today?
A Seated Liberty Dollar (1840–1873) is worth between $200.00 in Poor condition and $1,500 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $500.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $4,500 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of silver.
▶What is the most valuable Seated Liberty Dollar?
The most valuable Seated Liberty Dollar is the 1870-S — only 1 confirmed example — legendary rarity. This date is valued at $1,000,000+ depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Seated Liberty Dollar?
Grading a Seated Liberty Dollar 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 ~$500.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$1,500) 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 Seated Liberty Dollars?
For common-date Seated Liberty Dollars 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 Seated Liberty Dollar?
Yes. Known Seated Liberty Dollar 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 Seated Liberty Dollar is real?
Authentic Seated Liberty Dollars weigh 26.73 grams and measure 38.1 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 90% silver, 10% 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 Seated Liberty Dollar the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Seated Liberty Dollars are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $1,200 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1870-S 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 Seated Liberty Dollars were made?
The Seated Liberty Dollar was produced from 1840–1873. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1870-S is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Seated Liberty Dollar?
Never clean a Seated Liberty Dollar 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 Seated Liberty Dollar a good investment?
Seated Liberty Dollars 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 Seated Liberty Dollar dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.