Price Guide for 1861 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: $236.00 – $8,100.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $61,500.00
-
eBayCirculated: $20.50 – $3,975.00Uncirculated: $229.50 – $5,200.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $800.00 – $9,000.00Uncirculated: $9,500.00 – $135,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,125.00 – $3,163.00Uncirculated: $7.65 – $76,375.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $2,750.00 – $4,151.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,750.00 – $3,000.00Uncirculated: $3,500.00 – $75,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,300.00 – $30,550.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00 – $65,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1861 Dollar
The 1861 Seated Liberty Dollar was minted during the first year of the American Civil War. This historically significant coin represents a tumultuous period in American history. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, had been in use since 1836 and would continue until 1873.
The outbreak of the Civil War led to widespread hoarding of silver coins, including dollars, which affected their circulation. This year’s mintage reflects the uncertainty and economic challenges of the time.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), 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 1861 Seated Liberty Dollars significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and historical context, high-grade specimens are extremely rare and valuable. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after by collectors.
Factors such as strike quality, luster, and absence of contact marks play crucial roles in determining the coin’s grade and value. The presence of original toning can also enhance desirability among collectors, particularly for the New Orleans and San Francisco issues.
Mintage: 77,500
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 relatively low mintage
Mintage: 330,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
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 last year of issue
Mintage: 327,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
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 relatively low mintage
The historical significance of the Civil War era adds substantial interest and value to 1861 Seated Liberty Dollars. The New Orleans mint coins are particularly valuable due to being the last year of issue before Confederate forces seized the mint.
The relative scarcity of high-grade specimens from all three mints makes them highly desirable for advanced collectors and investors. Additionally, the overall low mintage numbers compared to some other years contribute to the coin’s value and collectibility.
Provenance can also play a role in value, with coins from notable collections or with documented history often commanding a premium.
