Price Guide for 1878 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: $28.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $127.00 – $7,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $22.00 – $342.73Uncirculated: $225.38 – $1,612.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $40.00 – $1,020.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $24,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $735.00 – $6,830.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1,150.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.50 – $3,220.00Uncirculated: $205.00 – $19,975.00
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eBayCirculated: $207.72 – $2,616.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $5,500.00Uncirculated: $6,000.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00 – $1,320.00Uncirculated: $1.60 – $25,850.00
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eBayUncirculated: $337.00 – $3,199.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $22,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $48.19Uncirculated: $101.71 – $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,080.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $483.00 – $4,313.00
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eBayUncirculated: $449.00 – $1,155.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $6,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $13,800.00 – $23,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $27,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1878 Quarter
The 1878 Seated Liberty Quarter represents a significant year in American coinage history. It was produced during the transition from the Seated Liberty design to the Barber design, which would be introduced in 1892. The year 1878 is notable for being the last year of regular quarter production before a four-year hiatus (1879-1881), making it a key date for collectors.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | S (San Francisco) |
| 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 the 1878-S Quarter has a significant impact on its value. Due to its age and limited mintage, finding high-grade examples is challenging. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are especially valuable, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher.
Strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many examples show weakness in certain areas. Coins with full, sharp details command higher premiums. Original luster is highly prized, and coins with attractive, natural toning can see increased demand among collectors.
Mintage: 140,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to its key date status and historical significance
Several factors contribute to the 1878-S Quarter’s value:
1. Historical Significance: Being the last year of regular production before a multi-year hiatus adds to its appeal.
2. Low Mintage: With only 140,000 minted, it’s one of the scarcer dates in the Seated Liberty Quarter series.
3. Survival Rate: Many were likely melted or heavily circulated, making well-preserved examples particularly rare.
4. Type Set Demand: As a one-year type coin (last of its kind before the hiatus), it’s sought after by type set collectors.
5. Condition Rarity: High-grade examples are extremely scarce, driving up prices for well-preserved specimens.
