Price Guide for 1844 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: $86.00 – $5,520.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $47,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.50 – $4,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $6,500.00Uncirculated: $7,000.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $140.00 – $132,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $13,999.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,500.00 – $13,500.00Uncirculated: $20,000.00 – $85,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $64,400.00 – $155,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $87,500.00 – $160,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1844 Dollar
The 1844 Seated Liberty Dollar was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1840 and continued until 1873. This coin represents a significant period in American numismatic history, as it was minted during a time of westward expansion and economic growth. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was widely used across multiple denominations during this era.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1844 Dollar has a significant impact on its value and desirability. Due to the low mintage and age of these coins, finding high-grade specimens is extremely challenging. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are particularly valuable, with prices increasing dramatically for grades MS65 and above.
For circulated examples, even small differences in grade can result in substantial price variations. Factors such as strike quality, luster retention, and the presence or absence of significant contact marks or scratches play crucial roles in determining the coin’s grade and value.
Mintage: 20,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 59,484
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
Toning can significantly affect the value of 1844 Dollars. Coins with attractive, natural toning are often highly prized by collectors and can command premium prices. The presence of prooflike surfaces, particularly on Philadelphia-minted coins, can also increase value substantially.
Die state and strike quality are important considerations for advanced collectors. Well-struck coins with full details, especially in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, are more desirable. Additionally, the historical significance of the 1844 Dollar, minted during a period of economic expansion and just before the discovery of gold in California, adds to its appeal among collectors and historians alike.
