1871 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar

1871 Liberty Seated dollars are scarce silver coins that are collected by individuals who pursue rare 19th-century United States coins. As a whole, 1871 Liberty Seated dollars are among the most common of all coins in the series, which ran from 1840 through 1873. More than 1 million silver dollars were made in 1871, most the majority of these being struck at the Philadelphia Mint. A small but significant number of Liberty Seated dollars were also made at the Carson City Mint.

Here’s a rundown of the mintages and values of 1871 Liberty Seated dollars:

• 1871, 1,073,800 minted; $300 to $2,100

• 1871-CC, 1,376; $3,500 to $75,000

• 1871 proof, 1,000; $4,000

*Price ranges are from a low grade of Very Good-8 through Mint State-60 unless otherwise stated.

Liberty Seated dollars are very difficult to find uncleaned and undamaged. Most have suffered in general commerce and even in the hands of some irresponsible coin collectors. Those who desire especially nice, problem-free specimens can expect to pay more than standard book value.

1871 Liberty Seated silver dollars were designed by United States Mint Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht. He also designed several coins bearing the Liberty Seated motif, including the half dime, dime, quarter, and half dollar – all of which saw production during a time generally spanning the late 1830s through early 1890s. The similar-looking 20 Cent piece of the 1870s was designed by William Barber.

1871 Liberty Seated dollars are made from a composition consisting of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. Each silver dollar contains 0.77344 ounces, or nearly a full ounce, of pure silver. These coins measure 38.1 millimeters in diameter and weigh 26.73 grams, meaning they have the same physical specifications as the Morgan and Peace silver dollars popular with collectors and investors.