Expert: PAPAJACK - 2/23/2008

Question
I have a 1799 Liberty Silver Dollar Coin in good condition and I am curious about its value.

Answer
Hello Denny,    

The coin if real is valuable. Many fakes are reported especially in the Middle East.
These coins have known counterfeit copies being traded as collectables so yours is best looked at by a professional dealer.  
Try to find a coin show; there are authenticators willing to give their opinion at the show tables for free. If you can’t find a coin show near you try to find an Early American coin dealer. Or I may be able to help If you can give me the nearest large Cities, some postal zip codes and telephone area codes. I will refer you to an expert in your area.

There were slightly different versions of these coins. The dies were made by hand each one is different.
They start at a value of about $300 to well over $1100 each in circulated grades.

Coinfacts has great images to compare your coin with for identification.
http://www.coinfacts.com/silver_dollars/draped_bust_dollars/1799_silver_dollars/...

None of the 1799 dollars have a reeded edge like modern coins, instead it has - HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT (various ornaments between words). If it does not you may have a reproduction or fake made from another coin blank.

Try comparing it to the specifications below.  

The 1798 to 1804 dollars measured 26.96 grams 39 to 40 MM diameter and lettered edge.
Later dollars after 1840 were 26.73 grams and a 38.1 mm diameter

An authentic 1799 Draped Bust Dollar is a great coin. It was made at Philadelphia with 423,515 made these sell from about 300 dollars in low grade and go to the thousands.  

The coins are worth less if they have ever been cleaned or otherwise damaged. Their value is reduced by 30% to 50% or more.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack