Price Guide for 1860 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: $94.00 – $4,250.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $156,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $24.50 – $1,995.00Uncirculated: $67.73 – $6,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $3,250.00Uncirculated: $3,500.00 – $150,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $5,250.00Uncirculated: $4.20 – $76,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.50 – $1,899.99Uncirculated: $522.00 – $4,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $881.25 – $3,600.00Uncirculated: $9.25 – $72,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $805.01 – $3,505.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,350.00 – $3,000.00Uncirculated: $3,500.00 – $87,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,818.75 – $90,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00 – $107,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14,950.00 – $18,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $37,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1860 Dollar
The 1860 Seated Liberty Dollar was minted during a tumultuous time in American history, just before the outbreak of the Civil War. This coin represents one of the last years of widespread silver dollar production before the series was suspended in 1873. The Seated Liberty design, which had been in use since 1840, was a symbol of the young nation’s ideals and aspirations.
| 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, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1860 Seated Liberty Dollars significantly impacts their value. Uncirculated examples are particularly prized, with specimens grading MS65 or higher being extremely rare and valuable. The quality of the strike, presence of luster, and absence of major contact marks are crucial factors in determining the coin’s grade and value.
New Orleans minted coins often have weaker strikes compared to Philadelphia issues, which can affect their desirability among collectors. Coins with exceptional eye appeal, deep cameo contrast (for proofs), or attractive natural toning can command substantial premiums.
Mintage: 217,600
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 515,000
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 high-grade examples
Historical significance plays a role in the value of 1860 Seated Liberty Dollars. As coins minted on the eve of the Civil War, they hold special interest for collectors of pre-war American coinage. The relatively low mintages for silver dollars of this era contribute to their scarcity and value.
Provenance can also impact value, with coins from famous collections or with a documented history of ownership often commanding higher prices. For the highest grade specimens, certification by reputable grading services like PCGS or NGC can significantly influence market value, providing assurance of authenticity and condition to potential buyers.
