1870 Seated Liberty Dollar Value Guide (P, CC, S Mints)
1870 Seated Liberty Dollar values range from $280 to over $1 million. Philadelphia common ($280-$135K), Carson City key date ($1.3K-$185K), San Francisco ultra-rare.
The 1870 Seated Liberty Dollar value ranges from $280 to over $1,000,000, depending on mint and condition.
- Philadelphia (P): $280 – $135,000 (common date, condition rarity in gem grades)
- Carson City (CC): $1,300 – $185,000 (key date, first-year CC dollar)
- San Francisco (S): $470,000+ (legendary rarity, ~12 known)
- Proof (P only): $2,300 – $55,000+ (1,000 struck, premiums for Cameo/Deep Cameo)
The 1870-S is one of America's greatest numismatic treasures, while the Philadelphia issue offers affordable access to the "With Motto" design type.
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1870 Seated Liberty Dollar: Three Mints, Three Stories
The 1870 Seated Liberty Dollar – a landmark year in American numismatics
The year 1870 produced three dramatically different chapters in Seated Liberty Dollar history. Philadelphia struck 415,000 business strikes and 1,000 proofs, creating the most accessible "With Motto" type coin in the series. The newly opened Carson City Mint produced its historic first silver dollar—fewer than 12,500 examples that remain a key date today. And San Francisco created one of America's greatest numismatic mysteries: a dollar with no recorded mintage, whose ~12 survivors command six- to seven-figure prices at auction.
This guide provides comprehensive pricing for all three mints, from circulated examples starting around $280 to top-population specimens worth over $1 million. Whether you're seeking an affordable type coin, a historic Carson City first-year issue, or researching the legendary 1870-S rarity, you'll find detailed values, grading insights, and authentication guidance for making informed collecting decisions.
How to Identify Your 1870 Seated Liberty Dollar
Mint mark location below the eagle on reverse (CC example shown)
Design Features
Obverse: Liberty is seated facing left, holding a shield inscribed with LIBERTY in her left hand and a liberty pole topped with a Phrygian cap in her right. She is surrounded by 13 stars (7 left, 6 right) with the date 1870 below. This is the "With Motto" design type used from 1866-1873.
Reverse: A heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast holds an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears on a ribbon above the eagle's head. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircles the design, with ONE DOLLAR at the bottom.
Mint Mark Location
The mint mark appears on the reverse, below the eagle and above the denomination ONE DOLLAR. Check reference materials or the accompanying images for precise placement, as this is a critical authentication point:
- No mint mark: Philadelphia Mint
- CC: Carson City Mint (historic first-year issue)
- S: San Francisco Mint (extreme rarity)
Specifications
All 1870 Seated Liberty Dollars share these specifications:
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 26.73 grams
- Diameter: 38.10 millimeters
- Edge: Reeded
- Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 0.7734 troy ounces
The weight and magnetic properties are crucial for authentication—a genuine coin must weigh precisely 26.73 grams (within tight tolerance) and be non-magnetic.
1870 Seated Liberty Dollar Price Guide
Understanding grade differences is key to valuation
Values for the 1870 Seated Liberty Dollar vary dramatically by mint and grade. The intrinsic melt value of approximately $37.65 (based on 0.7734 oz ASW at $48.68/oz silver) is negligible compared to numismatic values, which start at $280 for the most common issue and exceed $1 million for the rarest.
1870 Philadelphia Mint (No Mint Mark) – Business Strike
The Philadelphia issue is the common date for 1870, with a mintage of 415,000. It serves as an affordable entry point into the "With Motto" Seated Dollar series (1866-1873). While relatively accessible in circulated grades, this issue becomes a classic condition rarity in high mint state. The price escalates dramatically above MS-64, revealing that while many coins were produced, very few survived decades of bag storage and handling without significant abrasions.
| Grade | PCGS Price Guide | NGC Price Guide |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $400 | $280 |
| VF-20 | $600 | $500 |
| EF-40 | $875 | $650 |
| AU-50 | $1,100 | $875 |
| MS-60 | $2,750 | $2,000 |
| MS-63 | $5,750 | $4,000 |
| MS-65 | $47,500 | $60,000 |
| MS-66 | $125,000 | $135,000 |
Prices sourced from PCGS and NGC Price Guides, October 2025. Values are estimates and subject to market fluctuation.
1870 Philadelphia Mint – Proof Strike
The Philadelphia Mint produced 1,000 proof Seated Liberty Dollars in 1870 for collectors, though not all were sold and the unsold portion was likely melted. Proof coins feature exceptional manufacturing quality with sharp strikes, squared rims, and deeply mirrored fields. The degree of cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirror fields significantly affects value.
| Grade | Standard Proof | Cameo (CAM) | Deep Cameo (DCAM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR-61 | $2,300 | ~$3,000 | ~$4,500+ |
| PR-63 | $4,000 | ~$5,500 | ~$8,000+ |
| PR-64 | $6,000 | ~$8,500 | ~$15,000+ |
| PR-65 | $12,500 | ~$18,000 | ~$30,000+ |
| PR-66 | $27,500 | ~$40,000 | ~$55,000+ |
Prices sourced from NGC Price Guide and PCGS auction data, October 2025. CAM and DCAM values are estimates based on auction results. Cameo examples constitute about one-sixth of surviving population; Deep Cameos fewer than 10%.
1870-CC Carson City Mint (CC Mint Mark)
The 1870-CC holds legendary status as the first silver dollar struck at the Carson City Mint, which opened in 1870 to process silver from the nearby Comstock Lode. There is scholarly debate about the exact mintage: older references cite 12,462, while modern research based on mint delivery receipts indicates 11,758. Despite low mintage, an estimated 550-1,000 coins survive in all grades—a relatively high survival rate likely because many were saved as historic souvenirs by mint workers and Nevada residents.
| Grade | PCGS Price Guide | NGC Price Guide |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $2,000 | $1,300 |
| VF-20 | $4,750 | $5,000 |
| EF-40 | $7,500 | $8,000 |
| AU-50 | $9,500 | $11,000 |
| MS-60 | $30,000 | $25,000 |
| MS-62 | $45,000 | $44,500 |
| MS-64 | $185,000 | $155,000 |
Prices sourced from PCGS and NGC Price Guides, October 2025. Note significant variance in high mint state values between services. Values subject to market fluctuation.
1870-S San Francisco Mint (S Mint Mark)
The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar is one of the most celebrated rarities in American numismatics. No official mintage was recorded by the U.S. Mint, and its existence was unknown to collectors for decades. The prevailing theory is that fewer than 25 were struck as presentation pieces for the cornerstone of the new San Francisco Mint building on May 26, 1870. Today, only an estimated 9-12 coins are known to exist.
Mysteriously, while the cornerstone theory suggests all examples should be in high, prooflike grades, several are known in well-worn condition including Very Fine and even a heavily tooled Good. This indicates some coins somehow escaped their ceremonial purpose and entered commerce.
There is no standard price guide for this issue—value is determined exclusively by auction results. The auction record remains $1,092,500, set in 2003 for the finest known specimen graded MS-62 by PCGS (PCGS CoinFacts). Circulated examples have sold for prices ranging from $470,000 to over $800,000, confirming that any example, regardless of condition, is a major numismatic treasure.
ℹ️ Auction History
The condition census of known 1870-S dollars includes: (1) MS-62 PCGS – James A. Stack / Col. E.H.R. Green pedigree; (2) AU-58 PCGS – Norweb Collection / H.O. Granberg; (3) AU-53 PCGS – Eliasberg Collection; (4-5) Two examples at XF-40 graded by PCGS and NGC.
Grading the 1870 Seated Liberty Dollar
Common areas of strike weakness should not be mistaken for wear
Grading Seated Liberty Dollars is notoriously difficult, particularly for the 1870-1873 issues. Understanding the distinction between strike weakness and actual circulation wear is critical for accurate valuation.
Strike vs. Wear: The Critical Distinction
Strike weakness is common on Seated Liberty Dollars and should not be mistaken for circulation wear. Common areas of weak strike include:
- Obverse: Liberty's head, breast, and left foot often show flatness even on uncirculated coins
- Reverse: Eagle's claws and upper right wing frequently lack full detail
- 1870-CC specific: The word LIBERTY on the shield is known for consistently weak strikes—this is a die characteristic, not a grade penalty
The reverse is often a more reliable indicator of the coin's true level of wear than the obverse.
1870-1873 Distorted Hub Issue
According to the ANA grading standards, coins struck from 1870-1873 used a distorted obverse hub that left the word LIBERTY unusually exposed and prone to rapid wear. As a result, the word LIBERTY tends to wear away more quickly than on earlier Seated Dollar issues. Graders must account for this manufacturing characteristic when evaluating 1870 dollars.
Circulated Grades (Good-4 through AU-50)
Good-4 (G-4): LIBERTY partially visible on shield. Date and major design elements clear but heavily worn. Eagle's details mostly flat.
Very Fine-20 (VF-20): At least three letters of LIBERTY visible on shield. Moderate wear on Liberty's breast and legs. Eagle's feathers show some separation. This is a popular grade for 1870-CC collectors seeking affordable examples.
Extremely Fine-40 (EF-40): All letters of LIBERTY visible but may show light wear. Liberty's gown lines clearly defined. Eagle's feathers show good detail. Light wear on highest points only.
About Uncirculated-50 (AU-50): Trace of wear on Liberty's breast, knee, and head. Eagle's wing tips show slight friction. Original mint luster visible in protected areas. This grade offers near-mint appearance at a significant discount.
Mint State Grades (MS-60 through MS-66)
MS-60 to MS-63: No wear but numerous contact marks from mint bag storage. MS-60 may have significant abrasions; MS-63 shows fewer, less distracting marks. Original luster present but may be somewhat subdued.
MS-64: Above-average eye appeal with minimal contact marks. Strong luster. This is where prices begin to escalate significantly.
MS-65 and above: Exceptional preservation with only minor marks visible under magnification. Full, vibrant luster. These gem grades command exponential premiums due to extreme rarity—most 1870 dollars were subjected to decades of rough bag storage.
Natural toning versus cleaned surfaces
Proof Grades (PR-60 through PR-66)
Proof coins are graded using similar numeric standards but are evaluated for surface preservation of their mirror finish rather than luster. Cameo and Deep Cameo designations add significant premiums based on the contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields.
Deep Cameo contrast on proof strikes
Cameo (CAM): Noticeable contrast between frosted Liberty/eagle and mirror fields. Comprises approximately one-sixth of surviving proof population.
Deep Cameo (DCAM/UC): Stark, black-and-white contrast. Fewer than 10% of surviving proofs achieve this designation. Commands substantial premiums.
Die Varieties and the Osburn-Cushing System
Date position diagnostics for identifying OC varieties
Serious specialists of the Seated Liberty Dollar series collect by die marriage using the Osburn-Cushing (OC) numbering system from the reference Liberty Seated Dollars, A Register of Die Varieties. This system has superseded older attribution methods and provides precise identification of each die pairing.
1870 Philadelphia Varieties
The Philadelphia issue has several cataloged varieties, though most are not widely collected or tracked:
Doubled Die Reverse (DDR): A doubled die reverse variety is documented but not widely tracked by major grading services. Unless doubling is dramatic, it typically does not command a significant premium.
OC-4 and OC-6: These die marriages are recognized by PCGS as distinct varieties but are not actively collected by most specialists. No specific market data or premiums are publicly documented.
1870-CC Carson City Varieties (OC-1 through OC-9)
The 1870-CC issue is exceptional for variety collectors. An unusually high number of dies—four obverses and six reverses—were paired to create nine distinct die marriages for a mintage of fewer than 12,500 coins. This proliferation suggests sporadic, stop-and-start production during the mint's inaugural year, with dies being swapped in and out as bullion became available.
Collecting by OC number allows specialists to acquire artifacts from distinct moments in the Carson City Mint's very first year of operation. Key diagnostic points for identification include date position relative to denticles and the spacing/style of the CC mint mark.
| OC Number | Rarity | Key Diagnostics | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OC-2 | R5 | High date; right base of '1' just left of center of denticle; wide 'CC' | Scarce variety, premium over common |
| OC-4 | R7- | High date; right base of '1' just left of right edge of denticle; wide 'CC' | Extremely rare, very few known |
| OC-6 | R5+ | High date; right base of '1' just left of right edge of denticle; medium wide 'CC' | Rare variety |
| OC-8 | R4+ | High date; right base of '1' just left of center of denticle; medium wide 'CC' | AU Details example sold for $3,120 |
| OC-9 | R4- | Centered date; medium wide 'CC' | Most common variety; AU-50 example sold for $6,900 |
Rarity ratings and diagnostics from seateddollarvarieties.com. Pricing data limited; varieties typically trade at premiums when identified.
💡 Collector Tip
Variety collecting adds a fascinating dimension to the 1870-CC dollar. The nine different die marriages offer the opportunity to collect multiple examples of the same date, each representing a distinct moment in the historic first-year production at Carson City.
Known Mint Errors
Mint errors are distinct from die varieties and result from malfunctions during the coining process. Several notable errors are known for 1870 Seated Liberty Dollars.
1870-CC Rotated Dies
This is a significant and collectible error. Several examples are known with the reverse die rotated clockwise by angles ranging from 20 to 65 degrees. Many of these errors were struck from the OC-1 die pair. The existence of rotated die strikes is considered further evidence of the operational challenges at the new Carson City Mint during its first year.
An NGC AU Details example was sold at auction, confirming market demand for this error. Rotated die strikes carry a substantial premium over normal 1870-CC dollars, with values depending on the degree of rotation and the coin's grade.
1870-P Proof with Planchet Error
A known example certified by NGC was struck on a defective planchet that left a raised area of "extra metal" on the obverse. An example with this error, despite having been cleaned, was offered for $3,750—a price reflecting a significant premium for the combination of a proof strike and a visible mint error.
Beware of Fakes
⚠️ Counterfeit Alert
Collectors should be wary of purported errors such as "double struck" 1870-CC dollars sold on non-specialist online marketplaces. These are almost invariably modern replicas or fantasy pieces, not genuine U.S. Mint products. Always purchase significant errors through reputable dealers or auction houses with authentication guarantees.
Authentication and Counterfeit Detection
Genuine strike quality versus cast counterfeit characteristics
Given the high value of all 1870 Seated Liberty Dollars—particularly the Carson City and San Francisco issues—authentication is paramount. Counterfeits are prevalent in the marketplace, and some are sophisticated enough to fool inexperienced collectors.
A genuine 1870 Seated Liberty Dollar must weigh precisely 26.73 grams within tight tolerance and be non-magnetic. Weight is one of the most reliable initial tests—use a calibrated digital scale accurate to 0.01 grams. Any significant deviation from 26.73 grams indicates a problem.
Examine the surface characteristics carefully. Genuine coins display crisp, well-defined details appropriate for their grade. Counterfeits often exhibit a soft, porous, or "soapy" texture and may lack the fine details present on authentic strikes. Under magnification, look for raised die polishing lines in the fields—these are diagnostic of genuine U.S. Mint production but are absent on cast counterfeits.
The edge reeding should be sharp and evenly spaced. Cast counterfeits often show a seam or tooling marks on the edge where the mold halves met. Run your finger along the edge—any roughness or irregularity is a red flag.
For the 1870-CC, the style and position of the "CC" mint mark are critical authentication points. Counterfeiters often use a mint mark from the wrong die or even the wrong year, which is a definitive giveaway to an expert. The spacing between the two C's and their relationship to surrounding design elements must match documented examples. Consult reference images from PCGS CoinFacts or other authoritative sources.
For any 1870 Seated Liberty Dollar—especially the CC and S mint marks—authentication and grading by a top-tier service like PCGS or NGC is essential. Third-party certification not only confirms authenticity but also provides market liquidity and price transparency. The modest cost of certification is insignificant compared to the financial risk of purchasing an ungraded counterfeit.
Preservation and Care
Proper storage and handling are critical to protect these valuable historical assets from environmental damage that can permanently reduce their value.
Store coins in a dark, dry location with stable temperature and low humidity, ideally below 50%. Avoid attics, basements, or any area subject to temperature fluctuations or moisture. A bank safe deposit box or home safe in a climate-controlled room is ideal for high-value coins.
Use inert, archival-quality storage materials. Encapsulated holders ("slabs") from major grading services like PCGS or NGC are the gold standard—they provide both authentication and protection. For raw coins, use hard plastic capsules or Mylar flips specifically designed for coin storage. Never use soft, flexible PVC-based flips, as they can release chemicals that cause green, sticky residue and permanently damage a coin's surface over time.
When handling is necessary, hold coins only by their edges. Wear clean cotton gloves to prevent oils from your skin from causing spots and altering the coin's patina. Never touch the obverse or reverse surfaces. Even brief contact can leave fingerprints that become permanent over time.
Never attempt to clean a Seated Liberty Dollar. The damaging effects of cleaning were not widely understood in the 19th and early 20th centuries, which means many surviving coins have been cleaned at some point in their history. A cleaned coin can be worth less than half the value of a problem-free counterpart. Discerning collectors will always pay a substantial premium for coins with completely original, untouched surfaces. When in doubt about a coin's condition or cleaning history, consult a professional numismatist before making any preservation decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my 1870 Seated Liberty Dollar worth?
Value depends entirely on the mint mark and grade. A Philadelphia (no mint mark) example ranges from $280 in Good-4 to $135,000 in MS-66. A Carson City (CC) ranges from $1,300 in G-4 to $185,000 in MS-64. A San Francisco (S) is an extreme rarity worth $470,000 to over $1 million. Proofs range from $2,300 to $55,000+ depending on grade and cameo designation. Have your coin professionally graded to determine its precise value.
How do I identify the mint mark on my 1870 dollar?
The mint mark appears on the reverse, below the eagle and above the denomination ONE DOLLAR. Look for: no mint mark (Philadelphia), "CC" (Carson City), or "S" (San Francisco). Refer to the identification images in this guide for precise location. Use magnification if necessary—the mint mark can be small and may be weakly struck.
Should I get my 1870 Seated Liberty Dollar professionally graded?
Yes, absolutely. Given the high value of all 1870 dollars and the prevalence of counterfeits, authentication and grading by PCGS or NGC is essential. Third-party certification confirms authenticity, provides an objective grade, and significantly enhances marketability. The cost of certification is modest compared to the financial risk of selling or buying an ungraded coin.
What is the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar?
The 1870-S is one of the greatest rarities in American numismatics. No official mintage was recorded, and only an estimated 9-12 examples are known to exist. The prevailing theory is that fewer than 25 were struck as presentation pieces for the cornerstone of the new San Francisco Mint building. The auction record is $1,092,500 set in 2003 for an MS-62 example. Any 1870-S dollar, regardless of grade, is a major numismatic treasure worth six to seven figures.
Why is the 1870-CC so valuable?
The 1870-CC holds legendary status as the first silver dollar struck at the Carson City Mint. With a mintage of only 11,758-12,462 coins and strong collector demand for anything from the historic CC mint, even low-grade examples command significant premiums. It's a key date in the Seated Liberty series and a must-have for Carson City specialists.
What does "With Motto" mean?
"With Motto" refers to Seated Liberty Dollars struck from 1866-1873 that feature the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a ribbon above the eagle on the reverse. This distinguishes them from earlier "No Motto" dollars (1840-1865). The motto was added following the Civil War as a reflection of national religious sentiment.
How can I tell if my 1870 dollar has been cleaned?
Signs of cleaning include unnatural brilliance on a circulated coin, microscopic scratches or hairlines across the surfaces (especially in the fields), and dull, lifeless luster. Abrasive cleaning often leaves residue or different color patina around lettering and devices. Grading services will assign a "Details" grade to cleaned coins, significantly reducing value. Original, untouched surfaces always command premium prices.
What are OC varieties?
OC refers to the Osburn-Cushing attribution system used by specialists to identify different die marriages (die pairings) in the Seated Liberty Dollar series. The 1870-CC has nine documented varieties (OC-1 through OC-9), each created by a different combination of obverse and reverse dies. Varieties are identified by date position, mint mark style, and other diagnostic features. Some varieties are significantly rarer and command premiums.
Is the silver content worth more than face value?
Yes, but only marginally compared to numismatic value. Each 1870 dollar contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver, worth approximately $37.65 at current prices (October 2025). However, even the most common 1870 Philadelphia dollar is worth at least $280 in low grades—more than seven times its melt value. For the Carson City and San Francisco issues, the numismatic value is hundreds to thousands of times greater than the metal content.
Can I store my 1870 dollar in a regular coin flip?
Use only archival-quality holders. Hard plastic capsules or Mylar flips are safe. Never use soft, flexible PVC-based flips—they release chemicals that cause green, sticky residue and permanently damage coins. For high-value coins like any 1870 dollar, professional certification in a PCGS or NGC holder is the safest long-term storage solution.
Pricing Methodology and Sources
Price data in this guide is compiled from multiple authoritative sources as of October 2025: PCGS CoinFacts, NGC Coin Explorer, seateddollarvarieties.com, and documented auction results from major numismatic firms including Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers Galleries, and GreatCollections.
Values represent retail estimates for problem-free, accurately graded coins in the current market. Actual realized prices can vary based on eye appeal, strike quality, originality, pedigree, and market conditions at the time of sale. Coins with problems such as cleaning, damage, or questionable authenticity will sell for significantly less than the values indicated.
The coin market is subject to fluctuation based on precious metal prices, collector demand, and overall economic conditions. Prices should be used as general guidelines rather than precise valuations. For the most current and specific pricing, consult recent auction results and price guides, or seek a professional appraisal from a qualified numismatist.
