Price Guide for 1845 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: $11.00 – $19,800.00Uncirculated: $6.50 – $80,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $42.89 – $4,399.00Uncirculated: $366.20 – $6,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $5,000.00Uncirculated: $7,500.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,265.00 – $7,637.50Uncirculated: $150.00 – $207,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,500.00 – $11,500.00Uncirculated: $13,250.00 – $150,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $47,500.00 – $70,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1845 Dollar
The 1845 Seated Liberty Dollar was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1840 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 lead-up to the Mexican-American War. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the growing strength and stability of the young nation.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty design, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1845 Seated Liberty Dollars significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and circulation, high-grade examples are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. Coins in Mint State (MS) grades, particularly MS65 and above, command substantial premiums.
For circulated examples, details of Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers are key areas for assessing wear. The presence of original mint luster can greatly enhance value, especially on the Philadelphia issues with their lower mintage.
Mintage: 24,500
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and historical significance
Mintage: 354,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Several factors can influence the value of 1845 Seated Liberty Dollars:
1. Mint mark: The Philadelphia issue, with its significantly lower mintage, is generally more valuable than the New Orleans issue.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable, especially for the New Orleans mint, which often produced coins with weaker strikes.
3. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value, particularly for uncirculated specimens.
4. Historical significance: As a pre-Civil War issue, these coins hold additional appeal for collectors of early American coinage.
5. Preservation: Any coin surviving in high grades (AU or better) is rare and valuable due to the age and circulation of these coins.
