Price Guide for 1851 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 – $1,495.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $25,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $49.00 – $1,154.95Uncirculated: $1,682.00 – $1,703.98
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.25 – $6,900.00Uncirculated: $3,220.00 – $31,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.00 – $3,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $10,000.00Uncirculated: $12,500.00 – $75,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1851 Quarter
The 1851 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 symbolized the growing nation’s stability and strength. The year 1851 was notable as it fell during the California Gold Rush, a period of significant economic and population growth in the United States.
| Weight | 6.22 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| 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
The condition of 1851 Quarters significantly impacts their value. Circulation strikes from both mints are scarce in high grades due to extensive circulation and the coin’s age. Uncirculated examples are particularly valuable, with those grading MS65 or higher commanding substantial premiums.
For the New Orleans mint, even lower-grade examples can be valuable due to the low mintage. The presence of original mint luster and absence of significant contact marks or wear on high points like Liberty’s knee and breast are crucial for higher grades.
Mintage: 1,740,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 88,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1851 Quarters. Well-struck coins with full details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers are more desirable. Original toning can also add to a coin’s appeal and value, with coins displaying attractive, natural toning patterns being highly sought after by collectors.
The New Orleans mintage is particularly valuable due to its low production numbers, making it a key date in the series. For both mints, provenance can play a role in value, with coins from famous collections or with a documented history often commanding higher prices.
