Price Guide for 1852 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $115.00 – $36,425.00Uncirculated: $184.00 – $91,062.50
-
eBayCirculated: $45.02 – $250.00Uncirculated: $144.28 – $405.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30,000.00 – $47,500.00Uncirculated: $50,000.00 – $250,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $17,600.00 – $129,250.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $341.26
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $85,000.00 – $175,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14,950.00 – $17,050.00Uncirculated: $91.00 – $70,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $26,500.00 – $85,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $57,500.00 – $83,375.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $41,183.75 – $47,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $52,500.00 – $75,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1852 Dollar
The 1852 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 change in American coinage, as the discovery of gold in California was impacting the relative values of gold and silver.
The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a symbol of the young nation’s strength and independence. The reverse design, with its heraldic eagle, continued the patriotic theme that had been present on American coinage since the country’s founding.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), O (New Orleans) |
| 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 1852 Seated Liberty Dollar significantly impacts its value. Coins in higher grades, particularly those in Mint State (MS) condition, command substantial premiums. The scarcity of high-grade examples, especially for the New Orleans mint, makes well-preserved specimens highly sought after by collectors.
Factors such as strike quality, luster, and the presence or absence of contact marks play crucial roles in determining the coin’s grade and value. Coins with strong, full strikes and minimal bag marks or scratches are particularly desirable.
Mintage: 847,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to its scarcity and historical significance
Mintage: 40,000
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very High, due to its rarity and key date status
Toning can significantly affect the value of an 1852 Seated Liberty Dollar. Coins with attractive, natural toning – especially those with vibrant rainbow colors – often command premiums over untoned examples.
The New Orleans mintage is particularly valuable due to its low production numbers. Any 1852-O dollar in high grade is considered a major numismatic rarity.
Provenance can also play a role in value, with coins from famous collections or with documented history often selling for higher prices. Additionally, the historical context of the California Gold Rush era adds to the coin’s appeal among collectors and historians alike.
