Price Guide for 1846 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: $3.00 – $2,467.50Uncirculated: $4.20 – $22,325.00
-
eBayCirculated: $62.50 – $1,299.99
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $1,200.00Uncirculated: $1,300.00 – $22,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,625.00 – $26,335.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $17,500.00 – $75,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1846 Quarter
The 1846 Quarter was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1838 and continued until 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from previous coin designs and represented a more mature artistic style in American coinage. The year 1846 was notable for the Mexican-American War, which began that year, potentially affecting coin production and circulation.
| 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 plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1846 quarters. Coins in higher grades, particularly those in Mint State, are significantly rarer and more valuable. The strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples commanding premiums. Original luster is highly prized, especially on Philadelphia issues. For New Orleans mints, weakness in the strike is common, making sharply struck specimens more desirable.
Mintage: 510,000
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: 2,100,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for high-grade examples
Toning can significantly impact value, with attractive, natural toning often increasing desirability among collectors. The presence of original mint luster is particularly important for higher-grade examples. For both mints, eye appeal is a crucial factor, with coins displaying clean surfaces and minimal contact marks being most sought after. The historical significance of the Mexican-American War during this year can add to the coin’s appeal for some collectors, especially when paired with excellent preservation.
