Price Guide for 1870 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: $1,650.00 – $805,000.00Uncirculated: $462,000.00 – $1,092,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $125.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $750,000.00 – $1,850,000.00Uncirculated: $2,000,000.00 – $2,500,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $2,340.00Uncirculated: $414.00 – $105,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $102.50 – $2,375.00Uncirculated: $999.99 – $7,125.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $2,500.00Uncirculated: $2,750.00 – $175,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.85 – $24,000.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $126,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $325.00 – $7,999.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $900.00 – $25,000.00Uncirculated: $30,000.00 – $175,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $805.00 – $3,850.00Uncirculated: $4.35 – $44,062.50
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eBayCirculated: $641.75 – $1,058.05Uncirculated: $575.00 – $6,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $950.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,550.00 – $57,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,760.00 – $60,375.00
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eBayUncirculated: $18,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,850.00 – $110,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,750.00 – $48,875.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,250.00 – $125,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1870 Dollar
The 1870 Seated Liberty Dollar represents a significant year in American coinage. This was the first year that the Carson City Mint produced silver dollars, marking an important expansion of U.S. coinage production to the western states. The Seated Liberty design, which had been in use since 1840, was nearing the end of its run, with only a few years left before the introduction of the Trade Dollar and later the Morgan Dollar.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | CC, S |
| 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 1870 Seated Liberty Dollars significantly impacts their value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after and command substantial premiums. The Carson City (CC) issue is particularly valuable in all grades due to its low mintage and historical significance.
Luster is a crucial factor, with coins retaining their original mint luster being especially desirable. Strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples commanding higher prices. Toning can also affect value, with attractively toned specimens often fetching higher prices among collectors.
Mintage: 415,000
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: 12,462
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very High, due to low mintage and historical significance
Mintage: 1,376,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, depending on condition
Rarity and historical significance play major roles in the value of 1870 Seated Liberty Dollars. The Carson City issue is highly prized due to its status as the first silver dollar from this mint and its low mintage. For all issues, die varieties can add interest and value for specialized collectors.
The overall scarcity of high-grade examples, particularly for the Carson City mint, makes well-preserved specimens highly valuable. Provenance can also be a factor, with coins from famous collections or with a documented history of ownership potentially commanding higher prices.
