Price Guide for 1838 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: $4.50 – $5,000.00Uncirculated: $2.35 – $82,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $44.00 – $1,275.00Uncirculated: $459.00 – $1,745.00
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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: $2.35 – $2,300.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $195,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $30.00 – $2,128.45Uncirculated: $2,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $275,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $30,800.00 – $184,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35,000.00 – $200,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $258,500.00 – $381,875.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $350,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00 – $1,527.50Uncirculated: $630.00 – $55,812.50
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eBayCirculated: $92.19 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $50,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1838 Quarter
The 1838 Quarter marks the first year of the Seated Liberty design, which replaced the Capped Bust Quarter. This new design, created by Christian Gobrecht, featured Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole with a Phrygian cap on top. The reverse depicted an eagle with a shield. 1838 was also significant as it marked the first year the New Orleans Mint produced quarters, expanding the nation’s coinage capabilities.
| Weight | 6.68 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1838 quarters. As first-year issues, many were saved, but high-grade examples remain scarce. For Philadelphia issues, coins in AU (About Uncirculated) condition are obtainable, but Mint State examples are scarce. New Orleans issues are rare in all grades, with Mint State examples being extremely rare and valuable.
Strike quality is particularly important for this year, as the new design led to some striking issues. Well-struck examples with full details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers command significant premiums. Original luster and attractive toning can also greatly enhance the value, especially for the scarcer New Orleans mint coins.
Mintage: 466,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to first year of issue status
Mintage: 84,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to key date status and first year of New Orleans mint
First-year status adds significant appeal to both Philadelphia and New Orleans issues. The New Orleans issue is particularly desirable due to its low mintage and status as the first quarter dollar from this mint. Die varieties, while not as numerous as in some later years, can add interest and value for specialized collectors.
Historical significance plays a role in valuation, as these coins represent the transition to the Seated Liberty design and the expansion of U.S. Mint operations. Provenance can also be a factor, with coins from famous collections or with a documented history of early preservation potentially commanding premiums.
