1876 Seated Liberty Quarter Value Guide

The 1876 Seated Liberty Quarter is a significant piece of American numismatic history, representing the post-Civil War era of the United States Mint. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this coin is highly collectible for its classic depiction of Lady Liberty and its place as a standard-weight issue following the 'Arrows at Date' weight adjustments of 1873-1874.

What Is 1876 Seated Liberty Quarter Worth?

The typical price range for 1876 Seated Liberty Quarter is $100 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of a 'CC' (Carson City) mint mark can significantly increase the value compared to Philadelphia strikes.
• Overall strike quality and the level of detail remaining on Liberty's shield and the eagle's feathers.
• Surface preservation, including the presence of original mint luster or the absence of harsh cleaning and scratches.
• Market demand for coins from the Centennial year of 1876, which often carries a premium for historical collectors.

How to Identify 1876 Seated Liberty Quarter?

• Verify the absence of arrows on either side of the 1876 date, indicating the standard weight specification.
• Examine the reverse for the 'CC' or 'S' mint marks, or the absence of a mark for the Philadelphia Mint.
• Check for the specific Christian Gobrecht design elements, including Lady Liberty holding a Phrygian cap on a pole and a shield.
• Confirm the material is 90% silver, consistent with the coinage standards of the late 19th century.

History of 1876 Seated Liberty Quarter

The Seated Liberty design, introduced in 1836, was a popular motif on U.S. coinage for over half a century. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, it depicted Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a pole with a Phrygian cap. The 1876 quarter is notable as it was produced after the 'Arrows at Date' variation, which was used from 1853-1855 and 1873-1874 to indicate a change in weight. This particular coin, lacking the arrows, adheres to the standard weight of the time.