Price Guide for 1839 Quarter Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.10 – $1,997.50Uncirculated: $1,035.00 – $64,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $60.00 – $1,400.00Uncirculated: $2,705.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $85,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $41.00 – $517,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $310,000.00 – $500,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1839 Quarter
The 1839 Quarter marked the first year of the Seated Liberty design for quarters, replacing the Capped Bust design. This new design, created by Christian Gobrecht, featured Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole with a Phrygian cap. The reverse depicted an eagle with a shield. This year is significant as it represents a transitional period in American coinage, with the Seated Liberty design being adopted across multiple denominations.
| Weight | 6.68 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), O (New Orleans) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1839 Quarters significantly impacts their value. High-grade examples are extremely rare, especially for the New Orleans mint. Coins in Mint State condition command substantial premiums due to their scarcity. The absence of drapery behind Liberty’s elbow is a characteristic of this year, not considered an error but a design feature.
Factors such as strike quality, luster, and original surfaces play crucial roles in determining value. Toning can also affect desirability, with attractive, natural toning often enhancing appeal to collectors.
Mintage: 491,146
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: No Drapery variety
Market Demand: High, due to first-year status and historical significance
Mintage: 412,600
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: No Drapery variety
Market Demand: High, due to first-year status and New Orleans mint
Historical significance as the first year of the Seated Liberty design adds considerable value to these quarters. The New Orleans mint issue is particularly desirable as the first quarter dollar produced at this mint.
The ‘No Drapery’ variety is the only type for this year, making it important for type collectors. Any major errors or die varieties, if discovered, could command significant premiums due to the coin’s historical importance.
The overall rarity in high grades means that even examples in lower mint state conditions (MS60-MS64) are highly sought after by collectors and investors.
