Seated Liberty Quarter
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Spanning 1838 to 1891, the Seated Liberty Quarter catalog contains 149 year-and-mintmark variants. Across the series, the key date is the 1858 Seated Liberty Quarter at just 300 struck and the highest-value variant is the 1871-CC Seated Liberty Quarter at up to $600,000 in top grade.
Seated Liberty Quarter · All Strikes Mintage by Year
Peak 31MCombined mintage per year across every strike type (circulated, proof, and specimen) and all mintmarks.
About the Seated Liberty Quarter
The Seated Liberty Quarter is a highly sought-after, collectible reward for American history and coin collectors alike. Originally produced from 1838-1891, the Seated Liberty Quarter is unique in being one of the earliest coins issued in the United States. Though the quarter found its roots in a series of half dimes and silver coins in the early 19th century, it was during the second half of the century when it finally began its evolution into the beloved version of the Seated Liberty Quarter coin.
The obverse face of the Seated Liberty Quarter features a stoic, yet graceful depiction of Liberty seated on a rock with a shield resting on her left side. Described by some as a beacon of hope and strength, Liberty wears a billowing gown and is capped with a Phrygian cap. Engraved around Liberty's image is the phrase "In God We Trust," an early reflection of the shifts in values of the growing nation. The reverse of the coin features an eagle in repose, wings outstretched, with a shield at its chest, as well as an olive branch and bundle of arrows in its talons. The coin's reverse is further fitted with thirteen stars symbolizing the thirteen American colonies that began the union.
The Seated Liberty Quarter underwent many unique changes throughout its 53-year minting period. Due to high production levels and a shortage of certain metals, the composition of the Seated Liberty Quarter evolved from 80 % silver and 20 % copper, to an alloy comprising 90% silver and 10% copper, and finally, ending in 1869 with a change to a wholly silver coin. In terms of design, differences include the addition of drapery behind Liberty, as well as an 1853 embellishment of arrows on either side of the date.
The Seated Liberty Quarter is now a highly sought-after coin by collectors due to its patriotic design, composition, and historical significance. It is estimated that only around 8,000 examples exist in high grade, making this coin a rare and valuable find. PCGS prices range from just under $50 to over $18,000 US dollars, making the Seated Liberty Quarter a coin worth hunting for collectors.
Most-collected Seated Liberty Quarter coins on LuckyCoin
Looking for coins from a specific year across every denomination? Browse US coin values by year →
Which Seated Liberty Quarter coins do collectors actually own? See the 2026 rarity & ownership report →
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Seated Liberty Quarter minted?
- The Seated Liberty Quarter was minted by United States from 1838 to 1891.
- How many Seated Liberty Quarter coins were minted?
- Across every year and mintmark, approximately 155,525,059 Seated Liberty Quarter coins were struck.
- What mintmarks exist for the Seated Liberty Quarter?
- Seated Liberty Quarter coins were struck with the following mintmarks: CC, O, S. Some years were also produced without a mintmark.
- What is the Seated Liberty Quarter made of?
- The Seated Liberty Quarter is made of silver (.900) (.100 copper), weighs 6.25 grams, and measures 24.3 mm in diameter.
- How much is a Seated Liberty Quarter worth?
- Value depends on year, mintmark, and condition. Common dates in average circulated condition trade for near face value, while the rarest varieties in top grade can fetch up to $600,000. See individual year pages for grade-by-grade estimates.