Price Guide for 1883 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $1,380.00Uncirculated: $4.50 – $13,500.00
-
eBayCirculated: $39.80 – $775.00Uncirculated: $205.50 – $1,681.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $950.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $12,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $259.00 – $432.00Uncirculated: $2.15 – $21,850.00
-
eBayCirculated: $456.00Uncirculated: $449.00 – $3,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $22,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $587.50 – $50,400.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $821.00 – $2,829.75
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $65,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,553.13 – $16,100.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,500.00 – $8,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1883 Quarter
The 1883 Liberty Seated Quarter is part of a long-running series that began in 1838 and continued until 1891. This year’s issue is notable as it comes near the end of the series, just a few years before the design was replaced by the Barber Quarter in 1892.
The Liberty Seated design, created by Christian Gobrecht, was a classic representation of American coinage in the 19th century. It featured Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole with a Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | S (San Francisco), CC (Carson City), No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Seated design, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1883 Liberty Seated Quarters has a significant impact on their value. Due to their age and circulation, finding high-grade examples is challenging, particularly for the low-mintage Philadelphia and Carson City issues.
Uncirculated specimens are extremely valuable, with premium prices for coins grading MS65 or higher. Even in circulated conditions, well-preserved examples with clear design details and minimal wear are highly sought after.
Factors such as strike quality, luster, and toning can greatly affect desirability. Coins with strong, full strikes and attractive, original toning can command substantial premiums.
Mintage: 14,400
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,100,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved examples
Mintage: 12,000
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintmark rarity plays a crucial role in the value of 1883 quarters. The Carson City (CC) mintmark is particularly prized due to its extremely low mintage and the historical significance of the Carson City Mint.
The Philadelphia issue, despite having no mintmark, is also highly valued due to its low mintage. The San Francisco (S) mint coins, while more common, still carry a premium in high grades.
Provenance can add significant value, especially for coins with a documented history of belonging to notable collections. Additionally, CAC approval (Certified Acceptance Corporation) can increase value, as it indicates superior quality for the assigned grade.
