Price Guide for 1854 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: $10.00 – $13,200.00Uncirculated: $834.00 – $91,062.50
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eBayCirculated: $29.95 – $4,551.00Uncirculated: $219.94 – $13,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4,500.00 – $15,000.00Uncirculated: $16,000.00 – $175,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5,520.00 – $14,100.00Uncirculated: $75.00 – $54,625.00
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eBayUncirculated: $16,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $13,250.00 – $80,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12,925.00 – $63,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $17,500.00 – $70,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21,850.00 – $25,300.00
Design and Specifications of the 1854 Dollar
The 1854 Seated Liberty Dollar was part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1840. This year is particularly significant as it marked the first year of silver dollar production at the San Francisco Mint, which had just opened in response to the California Gold Rush. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the young nation’s strength and stability during a period of westward expansion and economic growth.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty design, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by Robert Scot (adapted by Christian Gobrecht) |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1854 Seated Liberty Dollars. Due to their age and circulation, high-grade examples are scarce for all mint locations. Uncirculated specimens, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, command significant premiums.
For the San Francisco issue, even circulated examples in good condition are highly sought after due to its key date status. The Philadelphia issue, despite its low mintage, is often available in lower circulated grades but becomes very scarce in Mint State.
Factors such as strike quality, luster, and absence of major contact marks greatly influence value. Original toning can also enhance desirability among collectors, especially for the New Orleans and San Francisco issues.
Mintage: 33,140
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and historical significance
Mintage: 1,245,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, more available than other mints this year
Mintage: 141,468
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to key date status and historical significance
The historical significance of the 1854-S dollar as the first San Francisco Mint silver dollar adds considerable value to this issue, regardless of condition. Collectors often seek this coin to represent the beginning of the San Francisco Mint’s dollar production.
For all 1854 dollars, die varieties can impact value. Specialists may pay premiums for certain die states or unusual characteristics. Additionally, provenance can play a role in value, especially for high-grade examples with a history of belonging to famous collections.
Lastly, the overall scarcity of high-grade 1854 dollars from any mint makes them valuable as type coins for collectors assembling high-grade sets of 19th-century silver dollars.
