Price Guide for 1836 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: $1.15 – $2,200.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $99,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.10 – $800.00Uncirculated: $145.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,700.00 – $132,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $85,000.00 – $275,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $83.00 – $1,057.50Uncirculated: $1,035.00 – $42,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $149.00 – $399.99Uncirculated: $8,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $54.00 – $1,057.50Uncirculated: $4,112.50 – $17,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $71.05 – $313.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $1,380.00Uncirculated: $1,495.00 – $9,775.00
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eBayCirculated: $220.00 – $307.00Uncirculated: $28.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $39.00 – $748.00Uncirculated: $4,230.00 – $4,313.00
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eBayCirculated: $59.95 – $310.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $2,500.00Uncirculated: $2,750.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $196.00 – $23,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,080.00 – $1,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,750.00 – $20,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1836 Quarter
The 1836 Quarter marks a significant transition in American coinage. It was the first year of the Seated Liberty design, which would continue until 1891. This new design, created by Christian Gobrecht, replaced the Capped Bust quarter that had been in circulation since 1815. The Seated Liberty design was part of a broader effort to standardize and improve the aesthetic quality of American coinage.
| Weight | 6.68 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1836 Quarter has a significant impact on its value. As a first-year issue and a coin that saw considerable circulation, high-grade examples are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly valuable.
The strike quality can vary, with some coins showing weakness in certain areas, particularly on the eagle’s talons and the shield on the reverse. Well-struck examples command a premium. Original luster is highly prized, and coins with attractive, natural toning are especially desirable to collectors.
Mintage: 472,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, due to its historical significance and scarcity
Historical significance plays a crucial role in the value of the 1836 Quarter. As the first year of the Seated Liberty design, it holds special appeal for collectors of early American coinage. The relatively low mintage for a quarter of this era also contributes to its scarcity and value.
The preservation of design details, particularly on Liberty’s gown and the eagle’s feathers, is important. Coins with sharp, well-defined features are more valuable. Additionally, the absence of major marks or damage, especially on the open fields of the obverse and reverse, can significantly increase the coin’s desirability and value.
