Price Guide for 1853 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: $150.00 – $5,760.00Uncirculated: $13.50 – $129,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.25 – $4,665.13Uncirculated: $179.00 – $6,322.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 – $5,250.00Uncirculated: $5,500.00 – $225,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16,318.40Uncirculated: $1,980.00 – $105,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $14,000.00 – $20,000.00Uncirculated: $25,000.00 – $130,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $99,875.00 – $184,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $85,000.00 – $135,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1853 Dollar
The 1853 Seated Liberty Dollar was part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1840 and continued until 1873. This year is significant in U.S. coinage history due to the widespread effects of the California Gold Rush, which led to changes in silver coin weights for smaller denominations. However, the silver dollar remained unchanged in weight and composition.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | O (New Orleans), No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| 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 the value of 1853 Seated Liberty Dollars. Uncirculated examples are particularly scarce and highly sought after by collectors. The presence of original mint luster significantly enhances the coin’s appeal and value. Coins with minimal contact marks, strong strikes, and attractive natural toning command premium prices.
For circulated examples, the amount of wear on Liberty’s leg and the eagle’s feathers are key areas for grading. Even slight differences in wear can result in substantial price variations, especially in higher circulated grades like XF and AU.
Mintage: 79,750
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to its relatively low mintage and historical significance
Mintage: 1,328,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, more available than Philadelphia but still desirable
Die varieties can add interest and value to 1853 Seated Liberty Dollars. Collectors often look for variations in the positioning of dates, lettering, or other design elements. While not as prominent as in some other years, these subtle differences can still affect value.
The historical context of the California Gold Rush adds to the coin’s appeal. Many 1853 dollars were likely melted due to their high silver content, making surviving examples more valuable to collectors and historians alike.
Lastly, provenance can play a role in value. Coins with a documented history of ownership, especially if linked to notable collections or historical events, can command a premium in the market.
