Price Guide for 1841 Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4.50 – $6,000.00Uncirculated: $32.50 – $74,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.38 – $2,500.00Uncirculated: $1,189.10 – $6,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $4,000.00Uncirculated: $4,500.00 – $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $150.00 – $149,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $80,000.00 – $130,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1841 Dollar
The 1841 Seated Liberty Dollar was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1836 and continued until 1873. This coin represents a significant period in American numismatic history, as it was minted during the expansion of the United States and the growing need for larger denomination coins in commerce.
The Seated Liberty design, created by Christian Gobrecht, was widely used across multiple denominations and is considered one of the classic American coin designs of the 19th century.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | O (New Orleans), P (Philadelphia, no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty design, featuring Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a liberty pole with a Phrygian cap, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1841 Dollar has a significant impact on its value and desirability. Due to the age and limited survival rate of these coins, high-grade examples are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are exceptionally scarce, with only a handful known to exist. Even examples in About Uncirculated (AU) grades command substantial premiums.
The presence of original luster and absence of significant contact marks or wear on the high points of the design (such as Liberty’s knee and breast) are crucial factors in determining grade and value.
Mintage: 173,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 98,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very High, especially for higher grade examples
Strike quality is a critical factor for 1841 Dollars. Well-struck coins with full detail in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers are more desirable and valuable.
Original toning can significantly enhance a coin’s appeal and value. Attractive, natural toning that has developed over time is highly prized by collectors.
The New Orleans mintage is particularly valuable due to its lower production numbers and generally poorer striking quality, making well-preserved examples even rarer.
As with many early American silver dollars, provenance can play a role in value, especially for high-grade examples with a known history of ownership by prominent collectors or inclusion in famous collections.
