Let’s take a closer look at the Seated Liberty Dollars that have fetched the highest prices at auctions or are most sought-after by collectors.
1. 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar
Estimated Value: $1,000,000+
This is the rarest of all Seated Liberty Dollars — only 9 known to exist. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin was likely a special presentation piece. A true “Holy Grail” of silver dollars.
2. 1851 Seated Liberty Dollar
Estimated Value: $50,000 – $100,000+
With only 1,300 coins minted, this is one of the lowest production years. It’s highly prized in any condition and even more so in higher grades.
3. 1852 Seated Liberty Dollar
Estimated Value: $40,000 – $90,000+
Only 1,100 coins were produced. These rarely show up in auctions, and collectors are willing to pay top dollar when they do.
4. 1858 Seated Liberty Dollar – Proof Only
Estimated Value: $35,000 – $85,000+
No business strikes were made this year — only proof coins exist. This makes it a unique year in the series and very desirable to collectors.
5. 1872-CC Seated Liberty Dollar
Estimated Value: $20,000 – $75,000+
Minted in Carson City, this coin has both historical significance and rarity. Only 3,150 were struck, and even fewer survive today.
6. 1849 Seated Liberty Dollar
Estimated Value: $15,000 – $50,000+
With just over 46,000 minted, the 1849 issue isn’t the rarest, but demand and age keep the value high — especially for mint state coins.
7. 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar – No Motto
Estimated Value: $20,000 – $60,000+
This coin was accidentally struck without the “In God We Trust” motto — making it a standout error coin. Only a handful are known to exist.
8. 1871-CC Seated Liberty Dollar
Estimated Value: $25,000 – $60,000+
Carson City coins are always in demand, and with under 2,400 minted, this one is a tough find. High-grade examples are almost impossible to locate.
9. 1873 Seated Liberty Dollar – Proof Only
Estimated Value: $10,000 – $45,000+
This was the final year of Seated Liberty Dollars. All coins were made as proofs only, making it a beautiful and historic finale to the series.
Why Are Seated Liberty Dollars So Valuable?
Several key reasons drive the value of these coins:
- Low Mintages: Some years saw production numbers below 2,000 coins.
- Survival Rate: Many were melted down, lost, or damaged.
- Mint Marks: Coins from the Carson City (CC) and San Francisco (S) mints tend to be more desirable.
- Proofs and Errors: Years with proof-only issues or no motto variations fetch higher prices.
- Historical Value: These coins are over 150 years old and represent a crucial period in U.S. monetary history.
Tips for Collectors
Thinking of collecting or evaluating a Seated Liberty Dollar? Here are a few expert tips:
✅ Always get your coin authenticated and graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
✅ Store coins in protective holders or capsules to avoid wear and tarnish.
✅ Learn to read mint marks: CC (Carson City), O (New Orleans), S (San Francisco), no mark (Philadelphia).
✅ Be cautious of fakes — rare coins often attract counterfeits.
✅ Start small: You can still find worn Liberty dollars for under $200 — a great entry point.