Price Guide for 1862 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: $25.00 – $630.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $25,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.50 – $415.00Uncirculated: $613.00 – $799.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $700.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5.25 – $4,025.00Uncirculated: $40.00 – $44,062.50
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eBayCirculated: $119.00 – $2,426.78
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $5,250.00Uncirculated: $5,500.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $322.00 – $1,020.00Uncirculated: $2.85 – $13,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $401.99 – $405.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $7,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $550.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $977.00 – $55,813.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,047.78 – $5,205.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,440.00 – $21,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,500.00 – $27,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1862 Quarter
The 1862 Quarter was minted during the height of the American Civil War. This Seated Liberty design had been in use since 1838 and would continue until 1891. The coin’s production during this tumultuous period in American history adds to its historical significance, as the nation was deeply divided and facing economic challenges.
| Weight | 6.22 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | 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
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1862 Quarters. Coins in higher grades, particularly those in Mint State, command significant premiums due to their scarcity. The San Francisco issue is especially valuable in high grades due to its low mintage.
Collectors pay close attention to strike quality, as many coins from this era can be weakly struck. Luster is another important factor, with coins retaining original mint luster being highly prized. Toning can also impact value, with attractive, natural toning often increasing desirability among collectors.
Mintage: 932,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to Civil War connection and overall scarcity
Mintage: 67,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and Civil War era production
The historical context of the American Civil War adds significant appeal to the 1862 Quarter. Collectors often seek coins from this period as tangible connections to a pivotal time in American history.
The San Francisco mintage is particularly valuable due to its low production numbers. Even in lower grades, these coins command a premium over their Philadelphia counterparts.
Die varieties, while not as prominent as in some other years, can still affect value. Collectors should be aware of potential repunched date varieties or other minor die variations that could increase a coin’s worth.
