Price Guide for 1872 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: $51.00 – $4,800.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $58,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $112.50 – $1,825.00Uncirculated: $299.95 – $6,300.00
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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: $7.75 – $9,775.00Uncirculated: $2,860.00 – $149,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $27.50 – $5,200.00Uncirculated: $7,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $15,000.00Uncirculated: $17,500.00 – $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $17.50 – $37,950.00Uncirculated: $110.00 – $192,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $399.00 – $12,105.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,500.00 – $25,000.00Uncirculated: $30,000.00 – $400,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $504.00 – $2,530.00Uncirculated: $5.75 – $63,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,275.00 – $2,047.22Uncirculated: $590.00 – $5,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,550.00 – $85,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,035.00 – $50,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,827.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,850.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,440.00 – $41,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,000.00 – $62,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1872 Dollar
The 1872 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 time of significant economic change in the United States, as the country was still recovering from the Civil War and experiencing the effects of the Coinage Act of 1873, which would soon demonetize silver.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), Carson City (CC), San Francisco (S) |
| 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 1872 Dollar has a significant impact on its value. Uncirculated examples are extremely rare and highly valued, especially for the Carson City and San Francisco issues. Even in circulated grades, well-preserved specimens command substantial premiums.
For Philadelphia issues, coins in MS65 or higher are exceptionally rare and can fetch five-figure sums. Carson City and San Francisco issues in uncirculated condition are even rarer and more valuable, often reaching six-figure prices for top grades.
Mintage: 1,105,500
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 3,150
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in uncirculated condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very High, highly sought after by collectors
Mintage: 9,000
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very High, prized by collectors
Several factors can influence the value of an 1872 Dollar beyond its condition:
1. Mint mark: Carson City (CC) and San Francisco (S) issues are significantly rarer and more valuable than Philadelphia issues.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
3. Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s value, especially for high-grade specimens.
5. Provenance: A documented history of ownership, especially from notable collections, can increase value.
6. Certification: Third-party grading and authentication can provide assurance of a coin’s condition and authenticity, potentially increasing its market value.
