Collection: Liberty Seated Quarter (1838 - 1891)

Liberty Seated Quarter (1838–1891): A Historic U.S. Coin Series

The Liberty Seated Quarter, designed by Christian Gobrecht, was introduced in 1838 and remained in production until 1891. This iconic coin showcases the evolution of U.S. silver coinage over 53 years, with various design modifications reflecting the nation's changing aesthetics and policies. Collectors prize these quarters for their rich history and scarcity, particularly in higher grades or rare variations.

Key Specifications

• Designer: Christian Gobrecht
• Issue Dates: 1838–1891
• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
• Diameter: 24.3 mm
• Weight:
  • 6.68 grams (1838–1853)
  • 6.22 grams (1856–1873)
  • 6.25 grams (1875–1891)
• Edge: Reeded

Major Design Variations

Type 1: No Motto (1838–1853, 1856–1865)

The initial design features Miss Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a liberty cap. The reverse displays a perched eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch.

• Notable Features:
  • Early issues (1838–1840) lack drapery on Liberty's elbow.
  • Scarce varieties like the 1842 Small Date exist, with only a handful known today.
  • Key Dates: 1849-O, 1853 No Arrows.
• Collector Insight: Quarters from this era are scarcer than contemporary dimes or half dollars, especially in AU or Uncirculated grades.

Type 2: Arrows and Rays (1853)

Introduced to signify a reduction in weight, this design features arrows flanking the date and rays behind the eagle on the reverse.

• Notable Features: Produced for only one year, making it a distinct subtype.
• Availability: Common in circulated grades, but Uncirculated examples are scarce.

Type 3: Arrows at Date, No Motto (1854–1855)

This design retained the arrows at the date but removed the rays from the reverse.

• Mint Locations: Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco (starting in 1855).
• Collector Insight: The most common date is 1854, making it accessible for type collectors.

Type 4: With Motto (1866–1873, 1875–1891)

The addition of IN GOD WE TRUST on the reverse marked a significant design update. This version remained in use until the series ended in 1891.

• Rarity Highlights:
  • Carson City Mint issues (1870–1873) are rare in all grades, with the 1873-CC No Arrows being a landmark rarity with only two known specimens.
  • Business strikes from 1879–1890 are low mintage and highly sought after.
• Collector Insight: Later issues, including 1876-CC and 1877-CC, are relatively easier to find in Uncirculated grades compared to earlier Carson City issues.

Type 5: Arrows at Date, With Motto (1873–1874)

To reflect a slight increase in weight, arrows were added to the date during these years.

• Key Date: 1873-CC, which is extremely rare in all grades.
• Availability: Proofs and circulated grades are more accessible than Uncirculated examples.

Historical Context

The Liberty Seated design, inspired by the figure of Britannia on British coins, first appeared on U.S. coinage with Gobrecht's dollar patterns in 1836. Over the following years, this design was adopted across all silver denominations, symbolizing a unified aesthetic for U.S. coinage.

The addition of the IN GOD WE TRUST motto in 1866 reflected a post-Civil War shift toward more overt religious expression in American culture. The Liberty Seated Quarter series, with its numerous variations, provides a lens into the nation's numismatic and historical journey during the 19th century.

Collecting Liberty Seated Quarters

For Type Collectors:

• Most Accessible Dates:
  • 1854 (Arrows at Date, No Motto)
  • 1876-S and 1877-S (With Motto)

For Advanced Collectors:

• Focus on key rarities like the 1849-O, 1873-CC No Arrows, and low-mintage issues from 1879–1890.
• Proof coins from 1858 onward are prized for their striking detail, especially those from the low-mintage 1879–1890 period.

Challenges:

• Completing a full date and mintmark set is difficult due to the rarity and expense of Carson City issues and low-mintage Philadelphia strikes.

Why Collect Liberty Seated Quarters?

The Liberty Seated Quarter is a cornerstone of U.S. numismatics, offering a rich tapestry of history, artistry, and rarity. Whether you're building a type set or pursuing key dates, these coins provide a rewarding challenge for collectors at every level.

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