Price Guide for 1844 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: $3.15 – $1,080.00Uncirculated: $518.00 – $23,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.50 – $515.00Uncirculated: $887.00 – $2,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $1,350.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $0.90 – $1,645.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $12,925.00
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eBayCirculated: $28.00 – $1,232.00Uncirculated: $2,499.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,750.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $182,125.00 – $322,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250,000.00 – $300,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1844 Quarter
The 1844 Quarter was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1838 and continued until 1891. This design represented a significant shift in American coinage, moving away from the earlier Capped Bust design to a more allegorical representation of Liberty. The year 1844 was a period of westward expansion in the United States, with the concept of ‘Manifest Destiny’ gaining popularity.
| 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 1844 quarters significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and circulation, high-grade examples are scarce. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition, particularly MS65 and above, are extremely rare and highly valued by collectors. The New Orleans mint coins are typically found in lower grades than their Philadelphia counterparts.
Factors such as strike quality, luster, and absence of major contact marks play crucial roles in determining the coin’s grade and value. Toning can also affect desirability, with attractive, natural toning often commanding a premium.
Mintage: 421,200
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 740,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved examples
The 1844 quarter is considered scarce across all grades, making it desirable to collectors of Seated Liberty coinage. The relatively low mintages for both Philadelphia and New Orleans issues contribute to their overall scarcity.
Die varieties, while not as prominent as in some other years, can add value. Collectors may pay premiums for coins with strong die clashing, repunched dates, or other minor varieties.
The historical significance of the coin, minted during a period of national expansion, adds to its appeal among collectors interested in pre-Civil War era coinage. As with many 19th-century coins, provenance can also play a role in value, particularly for high-grade examples with a documented history in important collections.
