Price Guide for 1872 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: $2.25 – $1,265.00Uncirculated: $196.00 – $14,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $77.00 – $695.00Uncirculated: $1,586.42 – $3,513.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.35 – $12,337.50Uncirculated: $50.00 – $86,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $699.00 – $7,725.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,250.00 – $21,000.00Uncirculated: $22,500.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $12.50 – $17,625.00Uncirculated: $20,700.00 – $99,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $865.00 – $8,660.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,500.00 – $60,000.00Uncirculated: $85,000.00 – $225,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $161.00 – $2,760.00Uncirculated: $2.35 – $22,325.00
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eBayCirculated: $227.00 – $456.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $1,715.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $325.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $489.00 – $13,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $517.00 – $18,881.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,185.00 – $6,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,250.00 – $9,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1872 Quarter
The 1872 Quarter is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was produced 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 1872 was a period of economic recovery following the Civil War, with the nation still grappling with monetary issues related to paper currency and precious metals.
| 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 | Heraldic Eagle, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1872 Quarters has a significant impact on their value. Due to their age and limited mintage, high-grade specimens are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command substantial premiums.
For circulated coins, even small differences in grade can result in notable price variations. Factors such as strike quality, luster retention, and absence of major marks or scratches play crucial roles in determining value. The presence of original toning can also enhance desirability among collectors.
Mintage: 182,000
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: 83,000
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 across all grades makes the 1872 Quarter a desirable coin for collectors. The San Francisco mint issue, with its lower mintage, is particularly valuable. Collectors often seek to acquire both Philadelphia and San Francisco issues for complete sets.
The historical significance of the Seated Liberty design and the coin’s production during the post-Civil War era add to its numismatic interest. Additionally, as a key date for the series, the 1872 Quarter is essential for collectors aiming to complete date runs of Seated Liberty Quarters, further driving demand and value.
