Price Guide for 1869 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: $98.00 – $4,560.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $86,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $185.00 – $2,075.00Uncirculated: $2,399.95 – $5,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $3,250.00Uncirculated: $3,500.00 – $175,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $252.00 – $3,680.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $43,700.00
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eBayUncirculated: $720.00 – $4,759.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,200.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,550.00 – $85,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $57.00 – $2,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,080.00 – $1,860.00Uncirculated: $2,400.00 – $6,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,070.00 – $51,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,827.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,850.00 – $110,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,040.00 – $47,323.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,250.00 – $125,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1869 Dollar
The 1869 Seated Liberty Dollar is part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1840 and continued until 1873. This coin was minted during a period of economic recovery following the Civil War. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the stability and strength of the young nation.
1869 was a significant year in American history, marked by the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, which greatly impacted commerce and westward expansion. The dollar coin played an important role in trade and commerce during this period of growth and development.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty design, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Perched eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1869 Dollar significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. Coins in higher grades (MS63 and above) are particularly valuable due to their scarcity. Key factors affecting condition include:
Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers command premium prices.
Luster: Original mint luster is highly prized, especially the cartwheel effect seen on uncirculated specimens.
Surface preservation: Coins free from significant marks, scratches, or wear are more valuable.
Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value, particularly for the San Francisco issues.
Mintage: 423,700
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: 656,000
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
Mintmark rarity: San Francisco issues are generally more sought after due to lower survival rates in high grades.
Historical significance: The coin’s association with the post-Civil War recovery period adds to its appeal.
Type set demand: As a representative of the Seated Liberty Dollar series, this coin is in demand for type sets.
Preservation: Due to the large size and silver content, well-preserved specimens are scarce, making high-grade examples particularly valuable.
