Price Guide for 1857 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: $1.15 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $35,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.50 – $1,152.99Uncirculated: $267.90 – $7,695.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $575.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.15 – $1,495.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $14,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.65 – $689.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,760.00 – $2,530.00Uncirculated: $22.50 – $23,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3,888.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,250.00 – $1,750.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.25 – $5,463.00Uncirculated: $1,440.00 – $19,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $199.05 – $2,816.00Uncirculated: $5,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $5,750.00Uncirculated: $6,000.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00
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eBayCirculated: $235.00 – $499.95
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $646.25 – $1,292.50Uncirculated: $7,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $180.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $331.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $275.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,830.00 – $15,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,500.00 – $20,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1857 Quarter
The 1857 Quarter was part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1838 to 1891. This year saw the continuation of the No Motto type, which would remain in production until 1865. The coin represents a significant period in American history, minted just four years before the outbreak of the Civil War.
| Weight | 6.22 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S) |
| 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 1857 Quarters significantly impacts their value. Coins in circulated grades are relatively common and affordable, but uncirculated examples command substantial premiums. The San Francisco mint coins are particularly valuable in high grades due to their low mintage and high attrition rate.
Luster is a crucial factor for uncirculated coins, with fully lustrous examples being highly sought after. Strike quality can vary, especially for New Orleans and San Francisco issues, with well-struck coins commanding higher prices. Original toning can also add to a coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 9,644,000
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: 1,180,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Mintage: 982,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Mint mark rarity plays a significant role in the value of 1857 Quarters. The San Francisco issue is the most valuable due to its low mintage, followed by the New Orleans mint. Philadelphia coins, while more common, can still be valuable in high grades.
Die varieties, while not as prominent as in some other years, can add interest and value for specialized collectors. The preservation of details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers is crucial for determining grade and value in higher-end specimens.
As with many 19th-century silver coins, the historical significance of the pre-Civil War era adds to the coin’s appeal among collectors and history enthusiasts.
