Price Guide for 1849 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: $2.90 – $24,000.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $41,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.25 – $1,750.00Uncirculated: $187.50 – $4,659.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $3,000.00Uncirculated: $3,500.00 – $225,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13,800.00Uncirculated: $140.00 – $230,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15,000.00Uncirculated: $45,000.00 – $245,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1849 Dollar
The 1849 Seated Liberty Dollar was minted during a significant period in American history. The California Gold Rush had just begun, leading to an influx of precious metals and economic changes. This coin represents the continuation of the Seated Liberty design, which had been in use since 1836 for various denominations.
The Seated Liberty Dollar was the first silver dollar minted for circulation since 1804, marking a return of the denomination after a long hiatus. Its production coincided with the ongoing debate about bimetallism and the role of silver in the American monetary system.
| 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, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1849 Seated Liberty Dollars. Due to their age and limited mintage, high-grade examples are extremely scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly valuable, with premiums increasing significantly for grades MS63 and higher. Even in circulated grades, well-preserved examples with clear design details and minimal wear can command substantial premiums.
The presence of original luster and absence of significant contact marks or scratches greatly enhance the coin’s desirability and value. Toning, if attractive and natural, can also positively impact the coin’s appeal to collectors.
Mintage: 62,600
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 23,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very High, due to rarity and historical importance
Historical significance plays a major role in the value of 1849 Seated Liberty Dollars. As the first year of issue after a long hiatus and coinciding with the California Gold Rush, these coins hold special appeal for collectors and historians alike.
The low mintages, particularly for the New Orleans issue, contribute significantly to their rarity and value. The survival rate for these coins is relatively low, especially in higher grades, further increasing their desirability.
Strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples commanding premiums. The New Orleans mintage is often found with weaker strikes, making sharp, well-defined specimens particularly valuable.
As with many 19th-century coins, provenance can add substantial value. Coins with a documented history of ownership, especially if linked to notable collections or historical figures, can see significant increases in value.
