1873 Liberty Seated Dollar Error List with Pictures

An 1873 Seated dollar graded PR66 brought $46,000 in January 2002, according to PCGS. That is a general Proof comparison, not a price assigned specifically to doubled lettering.

This 1873 Liberty Seated Dollar error guide focuses on repeated words above the eagle. The feature belongs to Proofs, specially made collector coins.

Estimated whole-coin values run from $1,500–$50,000, depending heavily on condition. Read on to find the extra strokes and separate them from reflections.

1873 Liberty Seated Dollar Doubled Motto on the Proof Reverse

The words IN GOD WE can show clearly separated outlines on the back of an 1873 Proof dollar. The extra strokes were already in the die, the steel tool that stamped the design.

They did not come from a second strike landing sideways on the coin. A doubled die repeats its altered lettering on coins made with that tool.

Liberty Seated Collectors Club researchers identify this back tool as one also used for 1872 Proofs. A coin’s front date still determines which year it belongs to.

Estimated Value

Allow an estimated $1,500–$50,000 for an identifiable example, from impaired or lightly worn Proofs to exceptional high-grade coins. Scratches across the shiny background can strongly affect the price.

PCGS lists $46,000 for a PR66 at Bowers & Merena in January 2002. PR66 indicates a very well-preserved Proof.

That ordinary Proof listing provides condition context; it does not establish a separate payment for the doubled motto.

How to Identify

Bring the motto above the eagle into focus before examining the rest of the back. A five- to ten-power magnifier helps you follow the extra strokes around IN GOD WE.

Pay particular attention to IN GO and the small feet at the ends of I. These little letter extensions are called serifs.

Rotate the light rather than rubbing or cleaning the surface. A bright reflection may move, but a second raised letter edge stays in place.

Check the full front for the 1873 date and have the Proof identity confirmed. The shared back design alone cannot distinguish an 1872 coin from an 1873.

A clear match across several motto letters is stronger evidence than a single bright line.

 

Conclusion

For this 1873 Seated dollar variety, the motto is the place to start. Look for repeated letter edges, then confirm the front date and the coin’s Proof identity.

The estimated $1,500–$50,000 range describes complete coins in very different conditions. Fine scratches, wear, and overall preservation matter alongside the doubled words.

This Proof pattern does not automatically identify an ordinary circulation dollar with similar-looking marks.