Price Guide for 1871 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: $94.00 – $840.00Uncirculated: $138.00 – $32,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $112.50 – $406.00Uncirculated: $74.99 – $299.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $17.50 – $79,312.50Uncirculated: $250.00 – $456,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $6,833.01
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6,500.00 – $150,000.00Uncirculated: $160,000.00 – $500,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.15 – $5,750.00Uncirculated: $42.50 – $35,937.50
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eBayCirculated: $515.55 – $5,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 – $8,500.00Uncirculated: $10,000.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $201.00 – $499.00Uncirculated: $2.25 – $15,275.00
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eBayCirculated: $330.77Uncirculated: $500.00 – $1,561.55
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $475.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $408.00 – $9,988.00
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eBayUncirculated: $465.00 – $5,635.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,610.00 – $7,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,500.00 – $9,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1871 Quarter
The 1871 Seated Liberty Quarter was part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1838 and continued until 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from earlier coin designs and became iconic in American numismatics.
The year 1871 was notable as it fell during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, a time of significant social and economic change in the United States. The quarter dollar played an important role in daily commerce during this period.
| Weight | 6.22 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S) |
| 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 1871 Quarter significantly impacts its value. Coins in higher grades (MS60 and above) are considerably rarer and more valuable due to the scarcity of well-preserved specimens.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant premium.
3. Surface preservation: Fewer marks and abrasions increase value.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance appeal and value.
The San Francisco mint coins are particularly valuable in high grades due to their lower mintage and generally poorer preservation.
Mintage: 1,100,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 30,900
Rarity Scale: Rare
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
Additional factors influencing the value of 1871 Quarters include:
1. Mintmark: San Francisco (S) coins are generally more valuable due to lower mintage.
2. Historical significance: As a Reconstruction-era coin, it holds interest for historians and collectors.
3. Type set demand: Required for Seated Liberty Quarter collections.
4. Overall rarity: Compared to many other years, 1871 quarters are relatively scarce.
5. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known, minor die variations can add interest for specialists.
The market for 1871 Quarters remains strong, particularly for high-grade examples and the rarer San Francisco mint coins. Collectors should be cautious of cleaned or altered coins, as these can significantly decrease value.
