Price Guide for 1840 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: $6.25 – $6,462.50Uncirculated: $978.00 – $57,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $162.50 – $3,450.00Uncirculated: $3,451.00 – $5,499.90
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $6,000.00Uncirculated: $7,000.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5,760.00 – $11,550.00Uncirculated: $115.00 – $74,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6,850.00 – $9,750.00Uncirculated: $11,500.00 – $140,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $43,700.00 – $85,188.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $47,500.00 – $105,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1840 Dollar
The 1840 Seated Liberty Dollar represents a significant year in American coinage. It was the first year of the Seated Liberty Dollar series, which would continue until 1873. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the nation’s strength and stability during a period of westward expansion and economic growth.
The year 1840 also marked the first time that silver dollars were struck at a branch mint, with production beginning at the New Orleans Mint. This expansion of minting capabilities reflected the growing demand for coinage in the expanding United States economy.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | O (New Orleans), No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| 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 1840 Seated Liberty Dollars significantly impacts their value. These coins often saw heavy circulation, making high-grade examples exceptionally rare and valuable. Coins in Mint State condition, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, are extremely scarce and command substantial premiums.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many 1840 dollars were weakly struck. Well-struck examples with full detail on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers are highly desirable. Original luster and attractive, natural toning can also greatly enhance a coin’s value and appeal to collectors.
Mintage: 61,005
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and scarcity
Mintage: 40,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and rarity
Several factors contribute to the value of 1840 Seated Liberty Dollars:
1. First-year issue: As the inaugural year of the series, 1840 dollars are highly sought after by collectors.
2. Branch mint rarity: The New Orleans mint coins are particularly rare and valuable, being the first silver dollars produced at a branch mint.
3. Historical significance: These coins represent a pivotal time in U.S. history, adding to their numismatic appeal.
4. Low survival rate: Many were melted or lost to time, making surviving examples, especially in high grades, quite rare.
5. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known, subtle die differences can add interest for specialized collectors.
