Price Guide for 1868 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: $9.00 – $4,700.00Uncirculated: $690.00 – $115,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $50.00 – $2,575.00Uncirculated: $3,264.00 – $4,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 – $4,250.00Uncirculated: $4,500.00 – $175,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $518.00 – $6,900.00Uncirculated: $4.25 – $27,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,010.00 – $1,450.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $3,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $950.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,550.00 – $57,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,170.00 – $5,520.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,410.00Uncirculated: $2,220.00 – $2,731.88
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,070.00 – $51,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5,495.00 – $5,655.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,850.00 – $110,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,800.00 – $92,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,000.00 – $120,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1868 Dollar
The 1868 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 the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, a time of significant economic and social change in the United States. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a iconic representation of American coinage during this period.
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty design, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1868 Dollar has a significant impact on its value. Uncirculated examples are particularly valuable due to their scarcity. Coins with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks command premium prices. The presence of attractive toning can also increase desirability among collectors.
For the Philadelphia mint coins, examples in MS65 or higher grades are extremely rare and highly sought after. The San Francisco mint coins are even more challenging to find in high grades, with MS64 and above being very rare and valuable.
Mintage: 162,100
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 98,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Rarity and historical significance play crucial roles in the value of 1868 Dollars. The low mintage figures, especially for the San Francisco mint, contribute to their scarcity and desirability. The coin’s association with the Reconstruction era adds historical interest.
Die varieties, while not as prominent as in some other years, can affect value. Collectors may pay premiums for coins with sharp strikes and well-defined details, particularly on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers. The presence of original mint luster is highly prized, as is attractive, natural toning that has developed over time.
As with many 19th-century silver dollars, the 1868 Dollar is popular among type collectors and those assembling date runs of Seated Liberty Dollars, which can drive demand and prices for high-quality examples.
