Price Guide for 1842 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.50 – $1,208.00Uncirculated: $747.00 – $25,200.00
-
eBayCirculated: $273.21 – $832.00Uncirculated: $3,062.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $1,850.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $15,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.10 – $1,997.50Uncirculated: $8.50 – $19,800.00
-
eBayCirculated: $33.05 – $800.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $8,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.10 – $32,900.00Uncirculated: $8,625.00 – $74,750.00
-
eBayCirculated: $495.00 – $2,466.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $45,000.00Uncirculated: $52,500.00 – $67,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $46,200.00 – $282,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175,000.00 – $350,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1842 Quarter
The 1842 Quarter is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1838 to 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from the previous Capped Bust design. The year 1842 saw production at both the Philadelphia and New Orleans mints, with the latter experiencing its first full year of quarter production since opening in 1838.
| 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 | Heraldic Eagle, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for 1842 quarters, as most circulated heavily. Uncirculated examples are extremely rare and highly valued. Even in lower grades, well-preserved coins with good eye appeal command premiums. The presence of original luster and absence of significant marks or wear on high points (e.g., Liberty’s knee and breast) greatly impact value.
For both Philadelphia and New Orleans issues, coins in MS65 or better are exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors. The strike quality can vary, particularly for New Orleans mint coins, with weakly struck examples being less desirable.
Mintage: 88,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Large Date and Small Date varieties
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 769,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Large Date and Small Date varieties
Market Demand: Moderate to High, depending on condition
Date size varieties (Large Date and Small Date) exist for both Philadelphia and New Orleans issues. While not hugely different in value, the Small Date varieties tend to command a slight premium, especially in higher grades.
Original toning can significantly enhance a coin’s value, with attractively toned specimens often fetching substantial premiums. Conversely, cleaned or improperly preserved coins are less desirable and may sell at a discount.
The historical significance of the 1842 quarter, particularly the New Orleans issue representing one of the earlier years of that mint’s quarter production, adds to its appeal among collectors of early American coinage.
