Price Guide for 1873 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: $1.50 – $1,200.00Uncirculated: $161.00 – $27,025.00
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eBayCirculated: $27.00 – $838.00Uncirculated: $288.00 – $1,663.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,050.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $2,530.00Uncirculated: $748.00 – $14,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $75.00 – $795.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $41.50 – $79,312.50Uncirculated: $21,600.00 – $336,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $3,467.00 – $16,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4,000.00 – $110,000.00Uncirculated: $375,000.00 – $450,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00 – $12,650.00Uncirculated: $504.00 – $74,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $174.50 – $3,710.00Uncirculated: $1,007.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $15,000.00Uncirculated: $30,000.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79,350.00Uncirculated: $725.00 – $460,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $215.30
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150,000.00Uncirculated: $600,000.00 – $1,250,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $460.00 – $621.00Uncirculated: $2.80 – $12,650.00
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eBayCirculated: $325.01 – $495.00Uncirculated: $405.00 – $1,201.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $475.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.30 – $1,880.00Uncirculated: $18.00 – $18,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $106.50 – $550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $3,000.00Uncirculated: $3,250.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,045.00Uncirculated: $4.10 – $40,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $382.88Uncirculated: $465.00 – $10,240.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $700.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $37,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $690.00 – $44,063.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,213.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,233.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,265.00 – $52,875.00
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eBayUncirculated: $912.00 – $2,717.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $45,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1873 Quarter
The 1873 Quarter is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1838 to 1891. This year is particularly significant as it marks the transition from the old weight standard to the new. The Coinage Act of 1873 slightly increased the weight of the quarter from 6.22 to 6.25 grams, creating two distinct varieties for this year: the Closed 3 (old weight) and the Open 3 (new weight).
| 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 1873 quarters significantly impacts their value, particularly for the rarer varieties. Closed 3 Philadelphia issues are especially valuable in higher grades. For all mint marks, coins in Mint State (MS) condition command substantial premiums, with those grading MS65 or higher being extremely rare and valuable.
The Carson City (CC) issues are highly prized in all conditions due to their extremely low mintage, with well-preserved examples being especially valuable. Original mint luster, lack of wear on high points, and absence of significant marks or scratches are crucial factors in determining condition and value.
Mintage: 1,271,700 (combined Closed 3 and Open 3)
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Closed 3 and Open 3 varieties
Market Demand: High, especially for the Closed 3 variety
Mintage: 12,462
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None notable
Market Demand: Very High, due to low mintage and Carson City provenance
Mintage: 156,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None notable
Market Demand: High, due to relatively low mintage
Variety identification is crucial for 1873 quarters. The Closed 3 variety from Philadelphia is significantly rarer and more valuable than the Open 3. Strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples commanding premiums. Toning can also affect value, with coins displaying attractive, natural toning often being more desirable to collectors.
For Carson City issues, authenticity is a major concern due to their rarity and value. Provenances from well-known collections can add to a coin’s desirability and value. The historical significance of the 1873 coinage changes adds interest and value to all varieties from this year.
