Price Guide for 1852 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: $91.00 – $1,610.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $105,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $180.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $1,150.00 – $1,501.76
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $1,800.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.10 – $9,988.00Uncirculated: $1,725.00 – $126,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $337.00 – $2,026.43
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $12,500.00Uncirculated: $15,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $61,687.50 – $176,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1852 Quarter
The 1852 Quarter is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1838 to 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from earlier coin designs and represented a more mature artistic style in American coinage. The year 1852 was notable for its low mintages, particularly at the Philadelphia mint, making these coins relatively scarce today.
| Weight | 6.22 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 | Heraldic Eagle, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1852 Quarters significantly impacts their value due to their scarcity and age. Uncirculated examples are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. Even in lower grades, these coins command a premium due to their low mintage.
Strike quality is particularly important for this year, as many examples show weakness in certain areas. Coins with full, sharp details are more desirable. Original luster is highly prized in higher grades, while attractive, natural toning can also enhance value significantly.
Mintage: 177,060
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 96,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very High, particularly for high-grade examples
Rarity in high grades is a crucial factor for 1852 Quarters. Both Philadelphia and New Orleans issues are extremely scarce in Mint State, with the New Orleans mint coins being particularly rare. The low mintage figures for both mints contribute to their overall scarcity and value.
Historical significance also plays a role in their desirability. These coins were minted during a period of significant westward expansion and just before the California Gold Rush’s impact fully materialized in coin production. This historical context adds to their appeal among collectors and numismatic historians.
