Price Guide for 1889 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: $75.00 – $1,610.00Uncirculated: $3.25 – $16,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.63 – $684.99Uncirculated: $776.00 – $2,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $950.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $270.00 – $441.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $18,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $453.00Uncirculated: $393.00 – $3,749.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $489.00 – $19,387.50
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eBayUncirculated: $1,200.00 – $1,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,410.00 – $27,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3,200.00 – $4,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $35,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1889 Quarter
The 1889 Liberty Seated Quarter represents one of the final years of this classic design, which had been in use since 1838. This coin was minted during a period of significant economic change in the United States, as the country was recovering from the Long Depression of the 1870s and experiencing rapid industrialization.
The Liberty Seated design, created by Christian Gobrecht, was nearing the end of its run, with the Barber coinage set to replace it in 1892. The 1889 quarter thus represents a transitional period in American coinage, bridging the gap between the classical designs of the 19th century and the more modern designs that would follow.
| 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
The condition of 1889 quarters significantly impacts their value, particularly for the rare Philadelphia issue. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are extremely scarce and highly prized by collectors. Even well-preserved circulated examples (EF40 to AU58) command substantial premiums.
For San Francisco issues, while more common, high-grade specimens (MS65 and above) are still quite rare and valuable. The quality of strike, luster, and absence of contact marks are crucial factors in determining value for uncirculated coins.
Toning can also play a role in desirability, with coins exhibiting attractive, natural toning often commanding premiums among collectors.
Mintage: 12,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and key date status
Mintage: 972,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in high grades (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Historical significance adds to the value of 1889 quarters. As one of the last years of the Liberty Seated design, these coins are sought after by type collectors and series specialists alike.
The extremely low mintage of the Philadelphia issue makes it a key date in the series, significantly boosting its value across all grades. For both mints, prooflike surfaces on business strikes can add considerable value.
Original mint luster is highly prized, especially on the scarce Philadelphia issues. Coins with minimal bag marks or contact points are particularly desirable in the numismatic market.
Lastly, provenance can play a role in value, with coins from famous collections or with a documented history of ownership potentially commanding premiums.
