Price Guide for 1863 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: $90.00 – $925.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $15,862.50
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eBayCirculated: $106.50 – $1,624.00Uncirculated: $875.00 – $2,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $1,350.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $403.00 – $1,265.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $21,150.00
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eBayUncirculated: $555.55 – $1,872.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $550.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $630.00 – $19,975.00
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eBayUncirculated: $953.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $18,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,819.00 – $12,337.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,000.00 – $17,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1863 Quarter
The 1863 Quarter was minted during the height of the American Civil War. This Seated Liberty design, which had been in use since 1838, continued to be produced during this tumultuous period in American history. The coin’s silver content made it valuable for trade, especially as paper money was becoming increasingly mistrusted due to wartime inflation.
| Weight | 6.22 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | S (San Francisco), 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
Condition is crucial for the 1863 Quarter, as both Philadelphia and San Francisco issues are scarce in high grades. Uncirculated examples are extremely rare and command significant premiums. Even in lower grades, well-preserved coins with good eye appeal are highly sought after.
For Philadelphia issues, coins in MS65 or better are exceptionally rare. San Francisco issues are even more challenging, with MS63 and above being major condition rarities. The presence of original mint luster and minimal contact marks can greatly enhance value.
Mintage: 191,600
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 157,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very High, particularly for high-grade examples
Historical significance plays a major role in the value of 1863 Quarters. As Civil War era coins, they are highly desirable to both coin collectors and Civil War enthusiasts. The low mintages for both mints add to their appeal.
Strike quality can vary, especially for San Francisco issues, and well-struck examples command a premium. Original toning is also valued by collectors, with coins displaying attractive, natural toning patterns being particularly desirable.
The survival rate of these coins in high grades is extremely low, making them rare in the numismatic market. This scarcity, combined with steady demand from collectors specializing in Seated Liberty coinage or Civil War era artifacts, ensures strong market interest for well-preserved 1863 Quarters.
