Price Guide for 1859 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: $88.00 – $2,640.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $20,562.50
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eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $2,026.22Uncirculated: $460.33 – $1,469.22
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $4,500.00Uncirculated: $5,500.00 – $150,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $4,313.00Uncirculated: $2.40 – $41,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.38 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $540.00 – $5,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.75 – $16,800.00Uncirculated: $990.00 – $52,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $197.50 – $1,836.00Uncirculated: $8,988.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $10,000.00Uncirculated: $11,000.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $747.00 – $4,400.00Uncirculated: $7.25 – $82,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $765.00 – $12,691.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,800.00 – $3,000.00Uncirculated: $3,500.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,600.00 – $63,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $12,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00 – $107,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15,275.00 – $43,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35,000.00 – $72,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1859 Dollar
The 1859 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 pivotal period in American history, just two years before the outbreak of the Civil War. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a popular and enduring motif on American coinage.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O) |
| 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 1859 Seated Liberty Dollars significantly impacts their value. These coins often exhibit wear due to their size and weight, making high-grade examples particularly desirable. Uncirculated specimens are rare and command substantial premiums.
Factors such as strike quality, luster, and absence of contact marks are crucial in determining value. New Orleans mint coins are generally softer struck than Philadelphia issues, making well-struck O-mint dollars especially prized.
Mintage: 255,700
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and overall scarcity
Mintage: 360,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens
Toning can greatly enhance the value of 1859 Seated Liberty Dollars. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns are highly sought after by collectors. The historical significance of the pre-Civil War era adds to the appeal and value of these coins.
Provenance can also play a role in value, with coins from famous collections or with a documented history often commanding higher prices. Additionally, any examples that have survived in proof condition are extremely rare and valuable, though proof mintages for this year are not recorded.
