Price Guide for 1840 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: $2.75 – $4,250.00Uncirculated: $7.50 – $329,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $41.50 – $1,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $59.00 – $1,058.00Uncirculated: $7.25 – $35,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.01 – $1,054.89Uncirculated: $1,951.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.00 – $1,880.00Uncirculated: $2.85 – $23,575.00
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eBayCirculated: $49.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $3,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $23,000.00 – $149,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175,000.00 – $250,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,260.00 – $6,900.00Uncirculated: $18,600.00 – $35,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,053.00 – $1,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,500.00 – $6,500.00Uncirculated: $35,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1840 Quarter
The 1840 Quarter was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1838 and continued until 1891. This design, created by Christian Gobrecht, represented a significant shift from the previous Capped Bust design. 1840 marked the third year of the Seated Liberty quarter’s production, and it was minted at both Philadelphia and New Orleans.
The coin features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole with a Phrygian cap on top, symbolizing freedom. The reverse displays an eagle with a shield, continuing the patriotic theme that was common in American coinage of the era.
| Weight | 6.68 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O) |
| 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 1840 quarters significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and circulation, finding high-grade examples is challenging. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are rare and highly sought after. Even in lower grades, well-preserved examples with clear details and minimal wear command premium prices.
For the New Orleans mint, the Small O and Large O varieties can affect value, with the Small O generally being scarcer. The presence of original toning can also enhance desirability among collectors.
Mintage: 188,127
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 425,200
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Small O and Large O varieties
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Strike quality is crucial for 1840 quarters. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers, are more valuable. Luster is another important factor, with coins retaining their original mint luster being particularly desirable.
The New Orleans mint quarters often have weaker strikes compared to their Philadelphia counterparts, making well-struck O-mint coins even more valuable. Additionally, any signs of die clashing or interesting die states can increase collector interest and potentially value.
