1841 Silver Dollar Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

1841 Silver Dollar Coin Value : Are you fascinated by the Seated Liberty silver dollar series? Have you come across the 1841 issue and are curious how much this old coin might be worth? The 1841 silver dollar was issued the second year after the United States Mint introduced the Seated Liberty design and has one of the highest mintages in the entire series, making it a popular date for collectors.

Through this guide, you will discover the 1841 silver dollar value, how to authenticate and grade your silver coin, and the standout features to look out for when identifying pieces worth good money. If you’re interested in minting errors and die varieties, we’ll reveal some worth adding to any collection.

So, without further ado, let’s dive in and find out: How much is a 1841 silver dollar worth?

1841 Silver Dollar Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1841-No Mint Mark Silver Dollar Value	$475	$650	$1,275	$47,500
1841 Proof Silver Dollar Value	–	–	–	$111,000

History of the 1841 Silver Dollar

The 1841 silver dollar is the second-year issue of the Seated Liberty dollar series struck by the United States Mint from 1840 to 1873. In the 1830s, the Bureau of the Mint underwent numerous changes, including moving the Philadelphia Mint to a new building, Congress awarding the Mint permanent status, and introducing a new steam-powered minting machine that would replace manual coin production. During this period, there were also calls for a new design for American coins.

In 1835, the newly appointed Mint Director, Robert Patterson, requested artists Thomas Sully and Titian Peale to create a new coin design. Patterson’s idea for the obverse design was to depict Lady Liberty seated on a rock holding a pole topped by a Phrygian hat, while the reverse would depict a natural, flying eagle. Mint Chief Engraver William Kneass began working on the artists’ sketches, but soon died from a stroke. Christian Gobrecht took over Kneass’s role as Chief Engraver and created copper plates based on the artists’ designs that would be used to produce trial strikes for a new dollar, which came to be known as the Gobrecht dollar.

Coining of the Gobrecht dollar continued in small amounts until 1839, when the Mint decided to undertake full-scale production of a U.S. silver dollar. The obverse for the new dollar would remain the same as the one used on the trial Gobrecht dollar, but the reverse design would be replaced by a left-facing bald eagle, initially designed by John Reich, a former Mint engraver.

The first Seated Liberty dollars were minted in a small batch of 12,500 pieces in 1840. Later that year, the Mint produced an additional 41,000 pieces and another 7,505 by the end of the year. By 1841, the mintage increased to 173,000 silver dollars, all struck at the Philadelphia Mint.

Most of the 1849 silver dollars were released into circulation, and there is no record that the Mint saved any pieces. This makes Mint State and Gem survivors in this issue extremely rare; in fact, Mint State examples of the 1841 dollars are considered a condition rarity. Given its history, sentimental value, and rarity, there’s no doubt that the 1841 silver dollar would be a valuable addition to any collection.

Features of the 1841 Silver Dollar

Let’s now look at the features of the 1841 silver dollar, which can help with authenticating and grading your silver coins. Knowing these standout features also comes in handy when identifying Seated Liberty dollars worth good money.

Here’s what to look out for:

Obverse of the 1841 Silver Dollar

The “heads” features Lady Liberty seated on a boulder and looking over her right shoulder.

In her left hand, she holds a staff topped with a Phrygian hat, while in her right hand is a shield with the inscription LIBERTY etched diagonally.

Thirteen stars, seven to the left and six to the right, encircle Liberty’s image. These stars represent the states that first joined the Union. The date, 1841, is shown at the bottom along the rim.

Reverse of the 1841 Silver Dollar

The “tails” show a left-facing bald eagle in flight. A shield on the eagle’s breast is symbolic of sovereignty and non-aggression.

In one of its talons, the eagle holds an olive branch, representing peace, and in the other, arrows, which symbolize victory and a readiness to defend the nation.

The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are etched in an arch along the upper rim while the denomination, abbreviated as ONE DOL.., is inscribed at the bottom.

Other Features of the 1841 Silver Dollar

Additional features worth noting include:

• Diameter: 38.10 millimeters
• Weight: 73 grams
• Edge: Reeded
• Metal Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
• ASW: 0.7734oz
• Fineness: 0.9

1841 Silver Dollar Value Guides

So, how much is the 1841 silver dollar? The value depends on the coin’s condition and rarity. This issue had a significantly higher mintage in the entire Seated Liberty series. It is common in the circulated condition, but Mint State survivors are rare, while Gems are exceedingly difficult to find.

A feature worth noting is the weak strike on the 1841 silver dollars, specifically around Liberty’s head and the eagle’s left wing. In addition, four die pairs were used for this date, including two obverse dies and two reverse dies, one of which was used to produce 1840 dollars.

We’ll look at the two types of 1841 Seated Liberty silver dollar:

• 1841 No-Mint mark Silver Dollar
• 1841 Proof Silver Dollar
• Let’s find out how much each is worth.

1841 No-Mint mark Silver Dollar Value

With a mintage of 173,000, the 1841 silver dollars struck at the Philadelphia Mint are relatively common in circulated condition, but survivors are heavily worn. Mint State specimens are rare, and Gems in this issue are almost unknown.

Here’s a breakdown of the values:

1. Circulated Examples: These are fairly common in lower grades, but their demand is so high that even these lower-grade examples will sell for several hundred. In Poor/Average, examples can fetch up to $350, as much as $475 in Good (G) condition, and up to $650 in Fine (F) condition. Extremely Fine (XF) examples are scarce, selling for at least $1,275, while a rare About Uncirculated (AU58) can command prices as high as $2,850.
2. Mint State Examples: Uncirculated 1841 silver dollars are scarce in lower grades and rare in higher grades, given that most coins were released into circulation. In MS60, examples will sell for as much as $3,750 and up to $5,500 in MS62. Survivors graded MS63 and higher are genuinely rare, selling for $11,500 and as much as $47,500 in MS64.
3. Auction Record: In 2008, Heritage Auctions sold an MS65 for a record-breaking $74,750, making this one of the most valuable 1841 silver dollars.

1841 Proof Silver Dollar

With a mintage of only 15 pieces, the 1841 proof silver dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint is an extreme rarity. Today, only eight examples of these special strike coins are known, and no gems have been certified to date.

As expected, due to extreme scarcity, these proof coins come at a prohibitive cost. For example, a specimen graded PF63 can sell for as much as $70,000 while a PF64 can command up to $110,000. In a record-breaking sale, David Lawrence RC auctioned a PF64 for an impressive $149,500.

1841 Silver Dollar Grading

As an early coin, even small differences can make a big impact on the value of an 1841 silver dollar. When grading, pay attention to the extent of wear, strike quality, and surface luster.

Carefully examine the high points that wear the fastest, which include Liberty’s head, breast, drapery, and knees. Also, pay attention to the date and stars encircling Liberty’s portrait. On the reverse, the eagle’s head, talons, shield, and wing feathers wear first.

Lower-grade 1841 silver dollars will show extensive wear, while the details on these high-contact points will be crisper and bolder on higher-grade silver dollars. Keep in mind, though, that high-grade, well-preserved examples are rare and often counterfeited, so if a piece looks too good, it’s best to have a professional grading service authenticate it.

Lastly, evaluate the strike and surface quality. Examples with a stronger strike and mint luster are rare and valuable; most survivors in this issue are in lower grade and will have a weak strike and no original mint luster.

Rare 1841 Silver Dollar Errors List

Although Seated Liberty dollars were generally better struck than previous American coinage, a few errors and die varieties do show up, some of which can be quite valuable.

Here are some 1841 silver-dollar minting errors that are worth a spot in your collection:

1. 1841 Silver Dollar Re-Punched Date Error

A re-punched date error occurs when the date is punched into the die more than once, and this impression is transferred to the planchet. Due to the re-punching, one or more digits on the date will appear overlapped or with a ghost outline, but this will typically be visible under magnification. In 2008, a collector paid $700 for a 1841 silver dollar graded Fine (F) with a re-punched date error, making this a valuable addition to any collection.

2. 1841 Silver Dollar Rotated Die Error

Another error seen on 1841 silver dollars is the rotated die, caused when the die is rotated at an angle, resulting in an offset between the obverse and reverse design. So, instead of the design being struck upright, it will appear turned at an angle. Generally, the greater the rotation, the more eye-catching and valuable the error tends to be. In 2010, Heritage Auctions sold a 1841 silver dollar graded Extremely Fine (XF) with an obverse rotated die error for $1,300.

3. 1841 Silver Dollar Double Struck Error

A double struck error occurs when the die transfers the design to the planchet twice, resulting in two or more images of the design. This usually happens due to a misalignment between the die and planchet, causing a dramatic, eye-catching effect that makes this error highly collectible. An eBay collector paid $550 for a 1841 silver dollar graded Good (G) with a double-struck error.

4. 1841 Silver Dollar Doubled Die Error

A common error in this issue is the doubled die, which occurs when the die strikes the planchet multiple times, resulting in doubling or a ghost outline on the design elements and inscriptions. In the case of an 1841 silver dollar, doubling may be visible on the Liberty shield, date, eagle, and the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOL. The value of this error depends on the intensity or visibility of the doubling; a stronger doubling will usually be more valuable. In a 2007 sale, Stack’s Bowers auctioned a 1841 silver dollar graded Very Fine (VF) with an obverse and reverse doubled die error for $1,000.

Where to Sell Your 1841 Silver Dollar?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.