Price Guide for 1859 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: $2.00 – $2,400.00Uncirculated: $219.00 – $15,275.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.50 – $365.00Uncirculated: $33.00 – $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $700.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.30 – $48,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $152.51 – $4,510.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.45 – $1,800.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $25,263.00
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eBayCirculated: $51.00 – $1,011.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $2,750.00Uncirculated: $3,500.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $518.00 – $978.00Uncirculated: $3.35 – $25,300.00
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eBayUncirculated: $977.00 – $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $998.75 – $21,850.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,913.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1859 Quarter
The 1859 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 earlier coin designs and represented a more mature artistic style in American coinage. The year 1859 was notable as it fell just before the outbreak of the American Civil War, making coins from this period particularly interesting to collectors and historians.
| Weight | 6.22 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
The condition of 1859 Quarters significantly impacts their value. Uncirculated examples are particularly valuable, with premium prices for coins grading MS65 or higher. The New Orleans mint coins are generally more valuable due to their lower mintage and tendency to be more heavily circulated.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many 1859 Quarters, especially from New Orleans, can be weakly struck. Coins with full, sharp details command higher premiums. Original luster and attractive toning can also significantly increase a coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 1,344,000
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 examples
Mintage: 260,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Historical significance plays a role in the value of 1859 Quarters. As pre-Civil War coins, they hold special interest for collectors of early American history. The New Orleans mintage is particularly prized due to its scarcity and the mint’s eventual closure during the Civil War.
Die varieties, while not as prominent as in some other years, can add value for specialized collectors. Coins with proof-like surfaces, occasionally found in early strikes, can command significant premiums. The overall eye appeal of a coin, including its strike, luster, and toning, can greatly influence its value beyond just the technical grade.
