CoinValueDB

1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar Value

$100,000 – $2,500,000

The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar was minted at the San Francisco Mint. Values range from $100,000 in lower grades to $2,500,000 in top condition. This is a key date, making it especially sought-after by collectors. The coin contains 90% silver with a melt value of $23.59.

1870 | San Francisco | Mintage: Unknown

Melt Value (90% silver)

$23.59

Based on $30.50/oz silver

as of Aug 1, 2026

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Market Activity

SoldHigh BidFor SaleLast Asking PriceMoving Average
Avg: $831,250 High: $2,500,000 Low: $100,000 8 total data points

CoinValueDB Price Guide by Grade

CoinValueDB Price Guide by Grade
GradeValue
Good (G-4)
$100,000
Very Good (VG-8)
$150,000
Fine (F-12)
$250,000
Very Fine (VF-20)
$400,000
Extremely Fine (EF-40)
$750,000
About Uncirculated (AU-50)
$1,000,000
Mint State (MS-60)
$1,500,000
Choice (MS-63) Best Value
$2,500,000
Under $100 $100 - $1,000 Over $1,000

Coin Specifications

Year
1870
Mint
San Francisco
Mintage
Unknown
Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight
26.73 grams
Diameter
38.1 mm
Edge
Reeded
Designer
Christian Gobrecht
Series
Seated Liberty Dollar Error (1840-1873)
PCGS #
6960

Historical Notes

One of the rarest and most mysterious US coins. Not recorded in official San Francisco Mint records, the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar was likely struck in very small numbers for the cornerstone ceremony of the new San Francisco Mint building. Only about 9-12 examples are known.

Varieties

Unlisted San Francisco Mintage

Not recorded in official mint records, these coins were likely struck for the cornerstone of the new San Francisco Mint building. One of the greatest US coin rarities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar worth? +
A 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar is worth between $100,000 and $2,500,000 depending on condition. Coins in higher grades (MS-65 and above) command significant premiums.
How many 1870 Seated Liberty Dollar Error coins were made? +
The San Francisco Mint produced Unknown 1870 Seated Liberty Dollar Error coins. Lower mintage numbers generally correlate with higher collector value.
Is the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar a key date? +
Yes, the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar is considered a key date in the Seated Liberty Dollar Error series. Key dates are coins with low mintage, high collector demand, or both, making them among the most valuable in the series.
What is the melt value of a 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar? +
The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar contains 90% silver and has a melt value of approximately $23.59 based on current spot prices ($30.50/oz silver). Most collectible coins are worth significantly more than their melt value due to numismatic demand.
Is the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar rare? +
Yes, this coin is exceptionally rare with only 9 to 12 known specimens in existence. It is a key date in the Seated Liberty series and remains elusive even to the most advanced collectors.
How much is an 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar worth? +
These coins sell for millions of dollars at public auction due to their extreme scarcity. A single example sold for over $1.3 million in 2003, and current market values for high-grade specimens exceed that figure significantly.

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