Price Guide for 1850 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: $7.00 – $6,000.00Uncirculated: $720.00 – $32,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.50 – $4,395.00Uncirculated: $2,805.90 – $9,669.69
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $7,000.00Uncirculated: $7,500.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.85 – $14,000.00Uncirculated: $1,920.00 – $141,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $29.56 – $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $12,500.00Uncirculated: $15,000.00 – $150,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,200.00 – $2,530.00Uncirculated: $150.00 – $78,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,750.00 – $95,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $36,800.00 – $69,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $52,500.00 – $100,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1850 Dollar
The 1850 Seated Liberty Dollar was part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1840 and continued until 1873. This coin was minted during a significant period in American history, just two years after the California Gold Rush began, which had a substantial impact on the nation’s economy and coinage.
The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a iconic representation of American ideals and values during the mid-19th century. The 1850 dollar played a crucial role in commerce, particularly in international trade, as silver dollars were widely accepted globally.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), O (New Orleans) |
| 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 1850 Seated Liberty Dollars significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and limited mintage, high-grade examples are extremely scarce and highly sought after by collectors. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition, especially MS65 and above, command substantial premiums.
For circulated examples, even small differences in grade can result in notable price variations. Factors such as strike quality, luster, and the presence or absence of significant marks or scratches play crucial roles in determining value. Coins with original, attractive toning are often more desirable to collectors.
Mintage: 7,500
Rarity Scale: Rare
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: 40,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
The 1850 Seated Liberty Dollar’s value is further influenced by several factors:
1. Mintage differences: The Philadelphia issue, with its extremely low mintage of 7,500, is generally more valuable than the New Orleans issue.
2. Historical significance: The coin’s association with the California Gold Rush era adds to its appeal.
3. Preservation: Well-preserved examples with minimal contact marks and good eye appeal command higher premiums.
4. Provenance: Coins with a known history of ownership, especially if tied to notable collections, can be more valuable.
5. Strike quality: Well-struck examples with full details are more desirable, particularly for the New Orleans mint, which often produced coins with weaker strikes.
