Price Guide for 1888 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: $173.00 – $1,140.00Uncirculated: $3.25 – $34,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $34.00 – $682.05Uncirculated: $950.00 – $2,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $275.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $258.50 – $470.00Uncirculated: $1.90 – $20,700.00
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eBayCirculated: $700.00Uncirculated: $675.00 – $1,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $374.00Uncirculated: $1.05 – $25,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.50 – $780.00Uncirculated: $299.99 – $1,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $384.00 – $13,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $560.01 – $2,094.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,600.00 – $24,675.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,500.00 – $30,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1888 Quarter
The 1888 Liberty Seated Quarter was part of the long-running Liberty Seated series, which began in 1838 and continued until 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from earlier coin designs and became iconic in American numismatics.
The year 1888 was notable as it fell during the height of the Gilded Age, a period of rapid economic growth and industrialization in the United States. Quarters played an important role in daily commerce during this time.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco) |
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1888 Liberty Seated Quarters. Coins in circulated condition are relatively common and affordable, but values increase significantly for uncirculated specimens. Mint State examples, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, are quite scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
The quality of the strike, presence of luster, and absence of contact marks are key factors in determining grade and value. Coins with exceptional eye appeal and original surfaces command premium prices.
Mintage: 10,833,600
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,216,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Toning can significantly impact the desirability and value of 1888 quarters. Coins with attractive, natural toning – especially those with vibrant rainbow colors – are highly prized by collectors and can command substantial premiums.
The San Francisco mint coins are generally more valuable than their Philadelphia counterparts due to lower mintage and often better strike quality. Additionally, any coins with exceptional eye appeal, regardless of mint, will typically command higher prices in the collector market.
