Price Guide for 1853 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: $1.25 – $5,200.00Uncirculated: $4.50 – $80,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.49 – $1,400.00Uncirculated: $412.25 – $8,801.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,350.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $6,325.00Uncirculated: $29.50 – $47,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $42.00 – $3,400.00Uncirculated: $91.00 – $242.55
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $8,750.00Uncirculated: $9,000.00 – $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $12.00 – $55,220.00Uncirculated: $633.00 – $54,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.05 – $730.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.80 – $9,350.00Uncirculated: $1,236.00 – $34,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $27.00 – $2,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $4,000.00Uncirculated: $5,000.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $25,300.00 – $166,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $1,225.00Uncirculated: $1,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50,000.00 – $300,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,116.00 – $6,462.50Uncirculated: $4,112.50 – $41,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $3,876.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $9,000.00Uncirculated: $17,500.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $150.00 – $1,028.13Uncirculated: $3,910.00
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eBayCirculated: $41.00 – $520.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00
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eBayCirculated: $389.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $94,000.00 – $276,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $125.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225,000.00 – $325,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1853 Quarter
The 1853 Quarter is a significant coin in American numismatic history. This year marked a crucial transition in U.S. coinage due to rising silver prices. To prevent hoarding and melting, the weight of silver coins was reduced mid-year. Quarters minted after this change feature arrows next to the date and rays around the eagle on the reverse, distinguishing them from the earlier, heavier version.
| Weight | 6.22 grams (with arrows), 6.68 grams (without arrows) |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | O (New Orleans), P (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 1853 Quarters significantly impacts their value. Due to extensive circulation, high-grade examples are scarce and highly sought after. Coins with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks command substantial premiums.
The Arrows and Rays variety, being a one-year type, is particularly desirable in higher grades. Toning can also affect value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding higher prices among collectors.
Mintage: 15,210,020
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Arrows and Rays variety, No Arrows variety
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 1,332,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Arrows and Rays variety only
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved examples
Variety differences play a crucial role in the value of 1853 Quarters. The No Arrows variety from Philadelphia, minted in smaller numbers before the weight reduction, is considerably rarer and more valuable. The Arrows and Rays variety, while more common, is highly collectible as a distinct one-year type.
Die state can also impact value, with early die state examples often showing sharper details. For New Orleans mint coins, the strength of the mint mark can affect desirability, with bold mint marks typically more sought after.
