Price Guide for 1860 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: $10.00 – $646.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $31,725.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.50 – $320.00Uncirculated: $123.38 – $1,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.25 – $31,050.00Uncirculated: $37,600.00 – $55,812.50
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eBayCirculated: $229.50 – $5,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $600.00 – $40,000.00Uncirculated: $50,000.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.50 – $1,410.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $28,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.99 – $799.00Uncirculated: $452.14
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,350.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $44,063.00
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eBayUncirculated: $762.00 – $1,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $550.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,560.00 – $28,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,768.00 – $2,003.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $65,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1860 Quarter
The 1860 Quarter was part of the Seated Liberty series, which had been in production since 1838. This coin was minted during a pivotal year in American history, just before the outbreak of the Civil War. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the nation’s stability and strength during a time of growing tensions between the North and South.
| Weight | 6.22 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O) |
| 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 1860 Quarters significantly impacts their value. Coins in higher grades (MS60 and above) are particularly valuable due to their scarcity. The New Orleans mintage is especially prized in high grades due to its lower production numbers and the generally poorer quality of strikes from this mint.
Luster and original surfaces are highly valued by collectors. Coins with attractive, natural toning can command premiums. Any examples showing full strike details, particularly on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers, are highly desirable.
Mintage: 855,740
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 388,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
The historical context of the 1860 Quarter adds to its appeal. Minted on the eve of the Civil War, these coins represent a pivotal moment in American history. This historical significance can increase demand among both coin collectors and history enthusiasts.
Provenance can also play a role in value. Coins with a documented history of ownership, especially if tied to notable collections or historical figures, may command a premium. Additionally, any quarters that can be conclusively linked to Civil War usage (through archaeological finds or documented provenance) could be of particular interest to collectors and potentially more valuable.
