Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1838-1853, 1856-1865
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 24.3 mm
Weight: 6.68 grams (103.08 grains, 1838 to 1853), 6.22 grams (95.98 grains, 1856 to 1865)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 46,685,313
Proof Mintage: fewer than 5,500

1838–1865 Liberty Seated Quarter – No Motto Type | Historic U.S. Silver Coinage

The Liberty Seated Quarter, introduced in 1838, marked a significant shift in American silver coinage. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this elegant motif features Miss Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty cap on a pole in her left hand and a shield inscribed LIBERTY in her right. The obverse displays thirteen stars encircling the design, with the date beneath. The reverse showcases a bold eagle perched on an olive branch with arrows in its talon, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and the denomination QUAR. DOL. below. Notably, these coins lack the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST", distinguishing them as the No Motto subtype.

Struck from 1838 to early 1853 and again from 1856 through 1865, these quarters were produced at both the Philadelphia and New Orleans Mints. Early examples (1838–1840) are further distinguished by the absence of draperyat Miss Liberty’s elbow—a defining variety for type collectors.

From 1853 to 1855, arrows were added beside the date to signify a weight reduction—these are considered a distinct subtype. Beginning in 1858, Proofs were also issued for collectors, and they remain highly sought after today.

While some rare dates—such as the 1849-O and the Proof-only 1842 Small Date—command significant premiums, there are enough common-date issues that collectors can secure examples in grades from Good through Extremely Fine with relative ease. AU coins are scarce, and true Mint State examples are rare, with superb Uncirculated specimens being exceptional.

A notable event in the series' history occurred in 1982, when a Civil War-era hoard was uncovered during construction in New Orleans. Among the find were several high-grade New Orleans Mint Liberty Seated quarters, many showing minimal wear and several in Mint State—a boon for collectors of southern branch mint coinage.

For collectors building a Liberty Seated type set, the No Motto quarter offers variety, history, and classic American artistry. Whether you’re seeking a circulated example or a high-grade Uncirculated piece, the 1838–1865 Liberty Seated quarter remains an essential piece of early American numismatics.