Price Guide for 1891 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $27.00 – $576.00Uncirculated: $2.60 – $28,740.00
-
eBayCirculated: $15.77 – $394.95Uncirculated: $132.50 – $2,251.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $25,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $63.00 – $5,175.00Uncirculated: $31.00 – $161,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $127.61 – $2,200.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $7,500.00Uncirculated: $10,000.00 – $150,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00 – $529.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $13,225.00
-
eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $462.79Uncirculated: $293.00 – $1,700.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $35,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $411.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $21,850.00
-
eBayCirculated: $180.00Uncirculated: $405.00 – $1,625.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $550.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $22,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $198.00 – $282.00Uncirculated: $1,057.50
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $1,750.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $517.00 – $26,400.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $500.00 – $2,331.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $35,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,495.00 – $9,400.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $21,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1891 Quarter
The 1891 Quarter was part of the Liberty Seated series, which had been in production since 1838. This year marked the penultimate year for the Liberty Seated design on quarters, as it would be replaced by the Barber design in 1892. The Liberty Seated quarter represented a significant period in American coinage, spanning over five decades and witnessing major historical events such as the Civil War and the country’s rapid industrialization.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, S (No mint mark for Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Seated design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1891 Quarter significantly impacts its value. Coins in higher mint state grades (MS63 and above) are considerably rarer and more valuable, especially for the low-mintage New Orleans issue. Well-preserved examples with strong strikes, minimal contact marks, and good luster are highly sought after by collectors.
For circulated coins, grades of VF (Very Fine) and above tend to command premium prices, particularly for the New Orleans mint. The presence of original toning can also enhance the coin’s appeal and value to collectors.
Mintage: 3,920,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, as a type coin and last-year-of-issue for Philadelphia mint
Mintage: 68,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and key date status
Mintage: 2,216,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, as a type coin
Mint mark rarity plays a crucial role in the value of 1891 Quarters. The New Orleans (O) mint issue is significantly rarer and more valuable than its Philadelphia and San Francisco counterparts due to its low mintage.
Strike quality is another important factor, as some 1891 Quarters, particularly from the San Francisco mint, can be weakly struck. Well-struck examples with full details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers are more desirable.
As one of the last years of the Liberty Seated design, the 1891 Quarter holds special interest for collectors focusing on transitional years in U.S. coinage history. This historical significance can add a premium to well-preserved specimens.
