Price Guide for 1851 Dollar Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1851 Dollar 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.

1851 Dollar (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $127.00 - $70,500.00
    Uncirculated: $150.00 - $76,375.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $7.50 - $1,500.00
    Uncirculated: $163.55 - $831.20
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $14,000.00 - $50,000.00
    Uncirculated: $55,000.00 - $300,000.00

1851 Dollar Restrike (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $14,400.00 - $22,425.00
    Uncirculated: $98.00 - $75,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $20,000.00 - $115,000.00

1851 Dollar Restrike, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $17,625.00 - $149,500.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $26,000.00 - $105,000.00

1851 Dollar Restrike, DCAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $30,000.00
    Uncirculated: $31,050.00 - $38,525.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $27,500.00 - $65,000.00

Design and Specifications of the 1851 Dollar

The 1851 Seated Liberty Dollar was minted during a significant period in American history. This year saw the height of the California Gold Rush, which had a profound impact on the nation's economy and coinage. The influx of gold led to a rise in the price of silver, causing many silver coins, including dollars, to be melted down for their bullion value.

The Seated Liberty design, introduced in 1836, continued to be used on the dollar coin in 1851, reflecting the classical artistic preferences of the era.

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 design, featuring Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole with a Phrygian cap, designed by Christian Gobrecht
Reverse Design Heraldic eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows, designed by Christian Gobrecht

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of an 1851 Seated Liberty Dollar significantly impacts its value. Due to the coin's size and the fact that many were used in commerce, finding high-grade specimens can be challenging. Uncirculated examples are particularly valuable, with MS65 and above being extremely rare.

Key factors affecting condition include:

1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster greatly enhances value.
3. Surface marks: Fewer contact marks or scratches increase desirability.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can add to the coin's appeal and value.

Philadelphia, No mint mark

Mintage: 1,026,500

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

New Orleans, O

Mintage: 400,000

Rarity Scale: Scarce

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

Historical significance plays a role in the 1851 Seated Liberty Dollar's value. Its association with the California Gold Rush era adds to its appeal among collectors and historians.

The relative scarcity of the New Orleans mint coins compared to Philadelphia issues can impact value, with O-mint coins often commanding a premium.

Provenance can also affect value. Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections may be more valuable.

Lastly, the overall eye appeal of the coin, combining factors like strike, luster, and toning, can significantly influence its desirability and value in the numismatic market.

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