Price Guide for 1881 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: $92.00 – $780.00Uncirculated: $3.25 – $36,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $296.00 – $1,005.00Uncirculated: $136.45 – $5,480.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $875.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $190.00 – $2,860.00Uncirculated: $2.15 – $11,213.00
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eBayCirculated: $485.00Uncirculated: $498.00 – $1,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $380.00 – $44,063.00
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eBayUncirculated: $785.00 – $3,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,640.00 – $28,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 – $35,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1881 Quarter
The 1881 Seated Liberty Quarter is part of a long-running series that began in 1838 and continued until 1891. This coin was minted during a period of significant economic growth and industrialization in the United States. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the nation’s stability and strength during this era of rapid change.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), S (San Francisco) |
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1881 quarters. Due to their extremely low mintage and age, high-grade specimens are exceptionally rare and valuable. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly desirable, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher.
The quality of the strike, presence of original luster, and absence of significant marks or wear greatly influence value. Coins with attractive, natural toning can command additional premiums among collectors.
Mintage: 12,000
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and key date status
Mintage: 12,000
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and key date status
Both Philadelphia and San Francisco issues are equally rare and valuable due to their identical low mintages. The 1881 quarter is considered a key date in the Seated Liberty series, making it highly sought after by collectors attempting to complete date sets.
Provenance can play a role in value, with coins from famous collections or with documented history potentially commanding higher prices. Additionally, CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) approval on graded specimens can significantly increase value, as it indicates superior quality for the assigned grade.
