Price Guide for 1857 Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1857 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.
1857 Dollar (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.20 - $11,100.00Uncirculated: $15.00 - $99,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.08 - $3,639.99Uncirculated: $74.04 - $3,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 - $6,750.00Uncirculated: $7,000.00 - $150,000.00
1857 Dollar (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00 - $22,000.00Uncirculated: $37.50 - $41,125.00
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eBayUncirculated: $6,789.00 - $12,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,750.00 - $4,000.00Uncirculated: $4,750.00 - $87,500.00
1857 Dollar, PL (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,600.00 - $12,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.30 - $45.00Uncirculated: $225.38 - $490.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00 - $17,500.00
1857 Dollar, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,980.00 - $38,187.50
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eBayUncirculated: $14,990.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00 - $95,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1857 Dollar
The 1857 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 pivotal year in American numismatic history, as it was the last year of large cent production and the first year of the Flying Eagle cent.
The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the nation's strength and stability during a period of westward expansion and growing tensions that would lead to the Civil War.
| 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 1857 Seated Liberty Dollars significantly impacts their value. Circulated examples are more common, while uncirculated pieces are scarce. The New Orleans mint coins are particularly valuable in all grades due to their low mintage.
For Philadelphia-minted coins, those grading MS63 or higher are considered rare and command substantial premiums. New Orleans-minted coins are extremely rare in uncirculated condition, with only a handful known to exist in mint state grades.
Mintage: 1,574,500
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 13,000
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS60 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Strike quality is crucial for 1857 Seated Liberty Dollars. Well-struck examples with full details on Liberty's head and the eagle's feathers are highly prized. Original luster adds significant value, especially for the scarce New Orleans issues.
Toning can also play a role in a coin's desirability, with naturally toned specimens often commanding premiums. Provenance can be an important factor, particularly for high-grade examples or those from famous collections. The historical significance of the year 1857 in numismatics may also add to the coin's appeal among collectors.
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