Price Guide for 1854 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: $14.00 – $960.00Uncirculated: $1.20 – $47,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $207.95 – $2,185.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.25 – $13,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $192.50 – $3,832.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.40 – $3,525.00Uncirculated: $357.00 – $34,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.00 – $685.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10,450.00Uncirculated: $5,750.00 – $138,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $11,155.00Uncirculated: $13,922.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $600.00 – $6,462.50
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eBayCirculated: $1,039.87
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 – $30,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1854 Quarter
The 1854 Quarter was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1838 and continued until 1891. This design, featuring Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from earlier coin designs and represented a more classical approach to American coinage.
1854 was a notable year in American history, marked by the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the rise of the Republican Party, reflecting the growing tensions over slavery that would lead to the Civil War.
| Weight | 6.22 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, P (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 1854 Quarters significantly impacts their value. Due to extensive circulation, high-grade examples are scarce, particularly for the New Orleans mint. Coins in Mint State conditions are highly sought after by collectors.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many 1854 Quarters, especially from New Orleans, can be weakly struck. Coins with full details and strong strikes command premium prices. The presence of original luster and attractive natural toning can also significantly enhance the value.
Mintage: 12,380,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,484,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: Huge O variety
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
The Huge O variety from the New Orleans mint is particularly desirable among collectors, commanding a premium over standard issues. This variety features an unusually large mint mark.
Die state can also affect value, with early die state examples often being more desirable due to their sharper details. For Philadelphia issues, prooflike surfaces are occasionally encountered and highly prized.
Collectors should be aware of cleaned or damaged coins, which are common for this era and can significantly reduce value. Original, problem-free examples with good eye appeal are always in high demand, regardless of grade.
