Price Guide for 1862 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 – $7,200.00Uncirculated: $13.50 – $52,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $6,003.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $6,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $900.00 – $8,250.00Uncirculated: $8,500.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $719.00 – $17,250.00Uncirculated: $6.35 – $76,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,602.00Uncirculated: $1,900.00 – $17,433.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,800.00 – $3,000.00Uncirculated: $3,500.00 – $87,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,013.00 – $69,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00 – $52,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,475.00 – $25,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,250.00 – $47,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1862 Dollar
The 1862 Silver Dollar was minted during the American Civil War, a time of great economic and political turmoil. This coin represents a significant period in American history when silver dollars were not widely circulated due to hoarding and the suspension of specie payments. The Seated Liberty design, which had been in use since 1840, continued to grace the silver dollar during this tumultuous time.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1862 Silver Dollars. Due to their limited circulation and historical significance, well-preserved specimens are highly sought after. Coins in Mint State grades, particularly MS65 and above, are extremely rare and command significant premiums.
The quality of strike can vary, with some coins showing weakness in certain areas. Original luster is highly prized, and coins with attractive, natural toning can be especially desirable to collectors.
Mintage: 11,540
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to Civil War date and low mintage
Historical context significantly impacts the value of 1862 Silver Dollars. Their production during the Civil War adds to their appeal among collectors and historians. The low mintage for the year further enhances their rarity and value.
Provenance can also play a role in value, with coins from notable collections or with a documented history of ownership potentially commanding higher prices. Additionally, the survival rate of these coins in high grades is extremely low, making well-preserved examples particularly valuable.
