Price Guide for 1870 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: $62.00 – $1,495.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $14,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $151.00 – $1,219.00Uncirculated: $700.00 – $1,994.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $1,300.00Uncirculated: $1,400.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.10 – $188,000.00Uncirculated: $187,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $4,750.00 – $9,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $7,000.00 – $250,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00 – $499.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $13,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $255.00 – $545.00Uncirculated: $306.09 – $1,399.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $600.00 – $23,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $139.00 – $1,395.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,821.25 – $29,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $65,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1870 Quarter
The 1870 Quarter is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was produced from 1838 to 1891. This year is notable as it marks the first year of quarter production at the Carson City Mint, adding a new mint mark to the series. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a long-standing and popular motif in American coinage.
| Weight | 6.22 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), Carson City (CC), San Francisco (S) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1870 quarters significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and limited mintage, high-grade examples are extremely rare and highly sought after. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command substantial premiums, with those grading MS65 or higher being exceptionally valuable.
For Carson City issues, even circulated examples in Good to Very Fine condition are highly prized due to their extreme rarity and historical significance.
Mintage: 86,400
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 8,340
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very High, due to historical significance and rarity
Mintage: 120,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Strike quality is particularly important for 1870 quarters, as many were weakly struck. Well-struck examples with full details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers are more desirable and valuable.
Original mint luster adds significant value, especially for Philadelphia and San Francisco issues. For Carson City quarters, the presence of the clear CC mint mark is crucial, as weak strikes can affect its visibility.
Natural toning can enhance the value, particularly if it’s attractive and even. However, any signs of cleaning or harsh conservation efforts can severely diminish the coin’s worth.
