1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar – The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar is one of the rarest coins in American numismatic history, with only three confirmed specimens known to exist today. Its extreme rarity, mysterious origin, and historical significance make it a holy grail for coin collectors worldwide. With recent private sales and valuations hinting at figures over $2 million, this coin has become an icon in the high-end collectibles market. Let’s explore what makes this coin so valuable, where it originated from, and why it remains such a fascinating part of U.S. Mint history.
What Is the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar?
The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar is a silver coin that was never meant to exist in the first place—at least not officially.
- Minted at: San Francisco Mint
- Year: 1870
- Design: Features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a staff with a liberty cap, surrounded by thirteen stars
- Weight: 26.73 grams
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter: 38.1 mm
- Mint Mark: “S” for San Francisco—placed below the eagle on the reverse side
Interestingly, there is no official record of this coin being struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1870. The mystery and lack of documentation have only added to its legendary status.
Why Is It So Rare?
Several theories try to explain why only three examples of the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar exist:
- No official minting order was recorded for this coin at the San Francisco Mint in 1870.
- It’s believed to have been privately struck by mint employees, possibly as a presentation piece.
- Another theory suggests it was created to commemorate the laying of the mint’s cornerstone in 1870.
- Because of the absence in production records, its existence remained unconfirmed until decades later.
- Only three authenticated examples have surfaced, making this an ultra-rarity in U.S. coinage.
Recent Sales and Valuation
Due to the coin’s mythical scarcity, it has fetched eye-popping prices at private auctions and sales:
| Year Sold | Sale Price (USD) | Buyer Info (if known) | Coin Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | $1,092,500 | Unknown private collector | XF-40 |
| 2013 | Estimated $1.9M+ | Not publicly disclosed | AU-50 |
| 2025 (Rumored) | $2.25M (unconfirmed) | Private Asian buyer | VF-35 |
These sales demonstrate the increasing value and investment appeal of the coin, especially as interest in rare collectibles grows globally.
Key Reasons Behind the Coin’s High Value
Several factors contribute to the multi-million dollar valuation of the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar:
- Unmatched rarity: Only three known pieces
- Historical mystery: No mint records, unknown purpose
- Collector obsession: A must-have for elite U.S. coin collectors
- Condition: Even coins in very fine (VF) condition are highly valued
- Market demand: Global interest in rare U.S. coins is surging
- Legacy: Represents a unique era in U.S. Mint history
Additional Details That Add Value
- Provenance of the coin
- Inclusion in major exhibitions or publications
- Certifications from PCGS/NGC grading services
Other Rarest U.S. Coins Compared
To understand the significance of the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar, here’s how it compares with other ultra-rare U.S. coins:
| Coin Name | Known Specimens | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar | Around 150 | $10+ million |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 13 (legal specimens) | $18.9 million |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 5 | $4.5+ million |
| 1804 Draped Bust Dollar | 15 | $7+ million |
| 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar | Only 3 | $2+ million |
Despite not being the most expensive, the 1870-S remains one of the most enigmatic and desirable coins due to its uncertain history and extremely limited quantity.
Where Are the Known Specimens Now?
All three known examples are currently held in private collections, although one has been exhibited at the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum on occasion.
- Specimen 1: Graded AU-50, privately held
- Specimen 2: Graded XF-40, part of an elite U.S. coin collection
- Specimen 3: Graded VF-35, reportedly sold to an international buyer in 2025
The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar stands as a symbol of mystery, prestige, and extreme rarity in American coinage. With only three examples known and no official minting documentation, its backstory is as compelling as its price tag. For serious numismatists and elite investors, this coin represents not just historical value but a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition opportunity. If another specimen were ever discovered, the numismatic world would be shaken—and the value could skyrocket even further.
FAQs
Q1: How many 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollars are there?
Only 3 authenticated specimens are known to exist.
Q2: What makes the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar so valuable?
Its extreme rarity, historical mystery, and lack of official mint records contribute to its value.
Q3: Can I buy an 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar?
They are extremely rare and usually change hands privately through high-profile collectors or auctions.
Q4: Was the 1870-S ever officially minted?
There are no official mint records for it, making its origin a mystery.
Q5: What is the highest known sale price for this coin?
The rumored highest price is around $2.25 million in a 2025 private sale.
What makes the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar so rare and valuable?
Limited mintage with only 3 known specimens.
