Price Guide for 1859 Dollar Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1859 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.

1859 Dollar (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $88.00 - $2,640.00
    Uncirculated: $15.00 - $20,562.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $26.00 - $2,026.22
    Uncirculated: $460.33 - $1,469.22
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $650.00 - $4,500.00
    Uncirculated: $5,500.00 - $150,000.00

1859-O Dollar (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $8.00 - $4,313.00
    Uncirculated: $2.40 - $41,125.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $25.38 - $2,000.00
    Uncirculated: $540.00 - $5,250.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $250.00 - $2,100.00
    Uncirculated: $2,250.00 - $45,000.00

1859-S Dollar (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $3.75 - $16,800.00
    Uncirculated: $990.00 - $52,875.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $197.50 - $1,836.00
    Uncirculated: $8,988.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $650.00 - $10,000.00
    Uncirculated: $11,000.00 - $100,000.00

1859 Dollar (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $747.00 - $4,400.00
    Uncirculated: $7.25 - $82,250.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $765.00 - $12,691.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1,800.00 - $3,000.00
    Uncirculated: $3,500.00 - $100,000.00

1859 Dollar, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $3,600.00 - $63,250.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $12,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $4,000.00 - $107,500.00

1859 Dollar, DCAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $15,275.00 - $43,700.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $35,000.00 - $72,500.00

Design and Specifications of the 1859 Dollar

The 1859 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 period in American history, just two years before the outbreak of the Civil War. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a popular and enduring motif on American coinage.

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 design, designed by Christian Gobrecht
Reverse Design Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of 1859 Seated Liberty Dollars significantly impacts their value. These coins often exhibit wear due to their size and weight, making high-grade examples particularly desirable. Uncirculated specimens are rare and command substantial premiums.

Factors such as strike quality, luster, and absence of contact marks are crucial in determining value. New Orleans mint coins are generally softer struck than Philadelphia issues, making well-struck O-mint dollars especially prized.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 255,700

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 overall scarcity

New Orleans, O

Mintage: 360,000

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 well-preserved specimens

Toning can greatly enhance the value of 1859 Seated Liberty Dollars. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns are highly sought after by collectors. The historical significance of the pre-Civil War era adds to the appeal and value of these coins.

Provenance can also play a role in value, with coins from famous collections or with a documented history often commanding higher prices. Additionally, any examples that have survived in proof condition are extremely rare and valuable, though proof mintages for this year are not recorded.

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