Price Guide for 1871 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: $7.00 – $5,400.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $96,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $153.59 – $1,999.99Uncirculated: $1,950.00 – $5,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $2,500.00Uncirculated: $2,750.00 – $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,875.00 – $37,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,850.00 – $42,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $512.72 – $2,640.00Uncirculated: $4.65 – $53,188.00
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eBayCirculated: $406.20 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $2,053.00 – $9,749.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $950.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,550.00 – $85,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $22.50 – $97,750.00Uncirculated: $19,800.00 – $241,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $184.50 – $7,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,500.00 – $90,000.00Uncirculated: $100,000.00 – $350,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 – $504.00Uncirculated: $228.00
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eBayCirculated: $203.50 – $300.00Uncirculated: $242.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,500.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,407.50 – $144,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,250.00 – $200,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1871 Dollar
The 1871 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 period of significant economic growth and westward expansion in the United States. The discovery of silver in the western territories led to increased production of silver coins, including dollars, at the Carson City Mint, which had opened just two years earlier in 1870.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1871 Seated Liberty Dollar significantly impacts its value. Uncirculated examples are particularly valuable, with premium prices for coins grading MS65 or higher. The Carson City (CC) mint mark commands a substantial premium in all grades due to its lower survival rate and historical significance.
Factors such as strike quality, luster, and the presence or absence of contact marks play crucial roles in determining a coin’s grade and value. Coins with original, undisturbed surfaces and minimal bag marks are highly prized by collectors.
Mintage: 1,073,800
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: 2,178,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Mintage: 1,376,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce to Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very high, due to Carson City mintmark and historical significance
Toning can significantly affect the value of 1871 Seated Liberty Dollars. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns are often more desirable than those with no toning or unattractive toning. The Carson City issues, in particular, can command substantial premiums when found with appealing toning.
Provenance can also play a role in a coin’s value. Specimens with a documented history of belonging to famous collections or appearing in notable auctions may carry additional premium. Additionally, coins that have been certified by reputable grading services like PCGS or NGC often command higher prices due to the assurance of authenticity and grade.
