1819 Capped Bust Quarter Value Guide (Large 9 & Small 9)
1819 Capped Bust Quarter values range from $180 in Good-4 to over $88,000 for top-grade specimens. Learn about Large 9 vs Small 9 varieties, Browning die marriages, and grading.
The 1819 Capped Bust Quarter is worth $180 to $88,000+, depending on variety, grade, and condition.
- Small 9 variety (common): $180 (G-4) to $10,000-$12,500 (MS-63)
- Large 9 variety (scarcer): $180 (G-4) to $15,000-$17,500 (MS-63)
- B-1 die variety (rare): $336 (F-12) to $1,762+ (AU-53)
- Top MS-65 specimens: $45,000-$55,000; auction record $88,125
The 1819 quarter features two major date varieties (Large 9 vs Small 9) and four distinct Browning die marriages, making it popular with both type collectors and variety specialists.
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1819 Capped Bust Quarter: Overview and Significance
The 1819 Capped Bust Quarter represents a significant issue within early American silver coinage, produced exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint during the "Large Diameter" series era. This coin is part of the Capped Bust design created by Assistant Engraver John Reich, which ran from 1815 to 1828 for quarter dollars. With a relatively modest mintage of 144,000 pieces and no Proof specimens produced, the 1819 quarter offers collectors both accessible type coin opportunities and challenging die variety pursuits.
Values for this coin range dramatically from approximately $180 for problem-free specimens in Good-4 condition to over $88,000 for top-population Mint State examples. The market is primarily driven by two major date varieties—the more common "Small 9" and the scarcer "Large 9"—which are further subdivided into four distinct Browning die marriages (B-1 through B-4). Understanding these varieties is essential for accurate identification and valuation.
This comprehensive guide covers everything collectors need to know about the 1819 Capped Bust Quarter: identification techniques, variety diagnostics, grading standards, market values, authentication practices, and preservation methods. Whether you're a type collector seeking a single representative example or a specialist pursuing rare die marriages, this analysis provides the critical information needed to make informed acquisition decisions.
Identifying Your 1819 Capped Bust Quarter
Accurate identification begins with understanding the coin's fundamental design elements and then progressing to the specific diagnostics that distinguish the major varieties and die marriages.
Design Elements and Specifications
The Capped Bust quarter features John Reich's distinctive design, first adapted for the quarter denomination in 1815. The obverse displays a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a cloth Phrygian cap secured by a band inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Her hair flows to her shoulder, and her neckline is draped in cloth fastened with a brooch. The portrait is encircled by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with seven stars positioned to the left and six to the right of Liberty. The date "1819" appears below the bust.
The reverse features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, perched on an olive branch while holding three arrows in its talons. A Union shield is superimposed on the eagle's breast, and a scroll bearing the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM appears above. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination "25 C." encircle the entire design.
📏 Physical Specifications
Weight: 6.74 grams
Diameter: 27 mm
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Edge: Reeded
Actual Silver Weight: 0.1934 troy ounces
Large 9 variety shows numeral '9' visibly taller than adjacent '1', while Small 9 has digits of similar height
Large 9 vs. Small 9 Identification
The 144,000 quarters struck in 1819 were produced using two different styles of the numeral '9' in the date punch, creating the two major collectible varieties. The Large 9 variety features a numeral '9' that is visibly and substantially taller and broader than the adjacent '1' in the date. This is the scarcer of the two major types, with PCGS population data suggesting it is approximately twice as rare as the Small 9 variety.
The Small 9 variety displays a numeral '9' that is approximately the same height and size as the '1' that follows it. This type, sometimes referred to in older numismatic literature as the "Normal 9," is more commonly encountered and serves as the standard type coin for collectors seeking a single example of an 1819 quarter. While some sources describe the size difference as subtle, the clear market differentiation and population data confirm that collectors place significant emphasis on this diagnostic feature.
Mint Mark Information
All 1819 quarters were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The Philadelphia facility did not apply mint marks to quarter dollars during this period, so no mint mark should be present on any genuine 1819 specimen. Any coin purporting to be an 1819 quarter with a mint mark should be viewed with extreme suspicion as a potential counterfeit or altered piece.
1819 Capped Bust Quarter Price Guide
Market values for the 1819 Capped Bust Quarter are well-documented by leading third-party grading services and confirmed by extensive public auction records. Prices vary significantly based on the major variety (Small 9 vs. Large 9) and, for specialists, the specific Browning die marriage.
⚠️ Price Guide Variations
PCGS provides separate pricing for Small 9 and Large 9 varieties, while NGC consolidates all 1819 varieties into a single price listing. Values shown reflect PCGS Price Guide data as of October 2025, with notable auction results included for context.
Grade comparison showing progression from heavily worn Good-4 through Very Fine-20 to near-perfect Mint State-63
Small 9 Variety (Generic)
The Small 9 is the more common variety and represents the standard type coin for most collectors. PCGS population data and market activity confirm this variety's greater availability compared to the Large 9.
| Grade | PCGS Value | NGC Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $180 | $200 |
| VF-20 | $650 | $1,100 |
| EF-40 | $1,650 | $2,000 |
| AU-50 | $2,500 | $2,750 |
| MS-60 | $6,000 | $5,000 |
| MS-63 | $10,000-$12,500 | $10,000 |
| MS-65 | $45,000-$55,000 | $45,000 |
Notable Auction Result: A PCGS EF-45 example of the B-3 (Small 9) marriage sold for $1,320 at Stack's Bowers in March 2020, demonstrating solid market demand for problem-free circulated specimens.
Large 9 Variety (Generic)
The Large 9 commands a premium over the Small 9 due to its greater scarcity, particularly evident in Mint State grades where PCGS assigns notably higher values.
| Grade | PCGS Value |
|---|---|
| G-4 | $180 |
| VF-20 | $650 |
| EF-40 | $1,750 |
| AU-50 | $2,600 |
| MS-60 | $6,000 |
| MS-63 | $15,000-$17,500 |
| MS-65 | $50,000 |
Browning-2 (B-2) Variety
The B-2 is the most common of the Large 9 die marriages, rated R-3 (Scarce). PCGS provides specific pricing for this variety, which generally aligns with generic Large 9 values but can command premiums for high-grade specimens.
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| G-6 | $200 |
| VF-20 | $700 |
| EF-40 | $1,750 |
| AU-50 | $2,500 |
| MS-65 | $50,000 |
Notable Auction Result: An NGC MS-64 example of the B-2 variety was offered by a major dealer for $22,000, confirming strong premiums for high-grade specimens of this die marriage.
💡 Variety Premium Strategy
The rare B-1 variety commands substantial premiums even in lower grades. Collectors should carefully verify die marriage attribution before purchasing any coin marketed as a B-1, as this variety's R-5 rarity makes it approximately 10-15 times scarcer than the common B-3 marriage.
Grading Your 1819 Capped Bust Quarter
Accurate grading is essential for proper valuation of your 1819 quarter. The Sheldon 1-70 scale applies, with most survivors falling between Good-4 and Mint State-65. Understanding where wear first appears—and distinguishing circulation wear from weak strikes—is critical for accurate assessment.
Primary wear points: Liberty's hair above forehead and ear, plus drapery clasp
Key Diagnostic Areas
On the obverse, wear first appears on the highest points of Liberty's hair, particularly above her forehead and ear. The drapery clasp at her shoulder is also an early indicator of circulation. As wear progresses, the details in her hair will flatten, the stars will lose their radial definition, and the date digits may become weak or partially obscured in lower grades.
On reverse, wear first appears on eagle's head, neck, and tail feathers
On the reverse, the eagle's head, neck, and tail feathers show wear first. The shield lines on the breast will flatten with moderate circulation, and the wing feathers will lose their individual definition. The arrows and olive branch details are protected somewhat by their lower relief position.
Grade Breakdown
Good-4 to Very Good-10: Heavy circulation wear is evident. Liberty's hair details are mostly smooth, with the outline of her portrait and cap barely distinguishable. The date is readable but may show weakness. On the reverse, the eagle is identifiable but shows significant flattening of all feather details. The shield lines are mostly or completely worn away. Coins in this range typically trade for $100-$250 depending on problems.
Fine-12 to Very Fine-20: Moderate wear is present. Liberty's hair shows some separation of strands, particularly away from the highest points. LIBERTY on the cap is fully readable. Stars retain partial radial lines. On the reverse, the eagle shows moderate detail with some feather definition remaining. Shield lines are partially visible. Values range from approximately $300-$1,100 depending on variety.
Extremely Fine-40 to About Uncirculated-55: Light wear on highest points only. Liberty's hair shows nearly complete detail with wear confined to the highest curls. The drapery clasp is sharp. On the reverse, the eagle displays sharp feather definition with wear limited to the head, neck, and outer wing tips. Values range from $1,650-$3,500 depending on eye appeal and variety.
Mint State-60 to MS-63: No circulation wear, but contact marks from bag handling are present. Luster may be somewhat subdued. Strike quality becomes critical—look for completeness of hair details and feather definition. Values jump significantly, from $6,000 in MS-60 to $10,000-$17,500 in MS-63 depending on variety.
Weak strikes show incomplete details even on unworn specimens; strong strikes display full design clarity
Mint State-64 to MS-65: Choice to Gem quality with minimal marks, strong original luster, and superior eye appeal. These grades command dramatic premiums: $22,000+ for MS-64 and $45,000-$55,000 for MS-65 specimens. The auction record stands at $88,125 for a PCGS MS-65 example sold in May 2015.
⚠️ Strike vs. Wear
Some 1819 quarters were struck with insufficient pressure, resulting in weak details even on uncirculated specimens. This is a minting characteristic, not wear. Look for mint luster in the fields—if present, the coin is uncirculated regardless of detail weakness. Weakly struck Mint State coins will grade lower than fully struck examples and should be valued accordingly.
Die Varieties: Browning Attribution System
Advanced collectors pursue the four distinct Browning die marriages of the 1819 quarter, identified in A.W. Browning's seminal 1925 work, The Early Quarter Dollars of the United States 1796-1838. Four obverse dies were paired with three reverse dies to create these combinations, each with unique diagnostics and rarity levels.
B-1 variety in later die state shows dramatic bisecting crack from star 12 through Liberty's bust to star 7
Browning-1 (B-1) – Large 9
Rarity: R-5 (Very scarce to rare), estimated 31-75 surviving examples. This is the premier rarity of the 1819 issue and the only marriage to use its specific obverse and reverse dies.
Diagnostics: The most prominent identifier for the B-1 appears in its later die state, which exhibits a dramatic, bisecting obverse die crack that runs from the border near star 12, through Liberty's bust, to the border at star 7. The reverse is distinguished by a flat base on the '2' and a normal '5' in the denomination "25 C."
Values: Due to its rarity, comprehensive price guides for the B-1 do not exist. Auction records provide the best market indicators. A PCGS F-12 example sold for $336 at Stack's Bowers in June 2025. An NGC AU-53 specimen realized $1,762.50 at Heritage Auctions in March 2016, demonstrating the strong premium this variety commands in finer condition.
Browning-2 (B-2) – Large 9
Rarity: R-3 (Scarce), making it more common than B-1 but still considerably scarcer than the B-3.
Diagnostics: The primary attribution point for the B-2 is on the reverse: the second 'S' in STATES is aligned with the 'S' in the motto PLURIBUS above it. Later die states are known to exhibit numerous obverse die cracks.
Values: As the most common of the two Large 9 varieties, the B-2 has established market pricing ranging from $200 in G-6 to $50,000 in MS-65. A February 2024 Stack's Bowers auction realized $144 for a PCGS G-4 example.
Browning-3 (B-3) – Small 9
Rarity: R-1 (Common). This is the most frequently encountered die marriage of the year and serves as the quintessential "type coin" for collectors.
Diagnostics: The B-3 shares its reverse die with the B-4. Key diagnostics on this shared reverse include a clearly repunched '5' in the denomination "25 C." and the presence of two distinct periods after the 'C'. Later die states of the B-3 obverse show prominent die cracks, one of which runs through star 11 and another across Liberty's bust truncation.
Values: Values align closely with generic "Small 9" price guide listings. A problem-free PCGS EF-45 example sold for $1,320 at Stack's Bowers in March 2020.
Browning-4 (B-4) – Small 9
Rarity: R-4+ (Very Scarce), making it significantly rarer than its Small 9 counterpart, the B-3.
Diagnostics: This variety uses the same reverse die as the B-3, with the repunched '5' and double period after 'C'. The obverse is most dramatically identified in its terminal die state, which features extensive and prominent die cracks and retained cuds (raised metal from a die break) around the date.
Values: The B-4 carries a notable premium over the B-3, though comprehensive public price guides are not available. An NGC VG-10 specimen sold for $105.75 in August 2014. Higher-grade examples would command substantially stronger premiums relative to B-3 specimens of comparable grade.
Mint Errors and Minting Anomalies
While the 1819 quarter is not known for major, consistently repeating errors like the 1818/5 overdate or 1822 "25/50C" denomination blunder found elsewhere in the Capped Bust series, individual error coins do exist and can command significant premiums.
Die Cracks and Cuds
Die cracks are common on later die states of several 1819 marriages and are generally considered diagnostic features of specific varieties rather than standalone errors. The B-1's dramatic bisecting crack and the B-4's terminal die state cracks are prime examples. However, a particularly large or dramatic cud—a retained die break on the rim—can add value. One documented example features a cud on the reverse over the letter 'C' in AMERICA. For a circulated coin, such a feature might add $25-$75 to its base value.
Major Striking Errors
Major striking errors are exceedingly rare but command immense premiums when encountered. A documented 1819 B-2 quarter graded Good-4 by PCGS that was double-struck with the first strike 45% off-center sold for $1,200 at a Stack's Bowers auction. A normal G-4 example of this variety sold for just $144 in another auction—the error increased the coin's value by over eightfold despite the low base grade.
Other major errors that would bring substantial premiums include:
- Broadstrikes: Coins struck outside the restraining collar, resulting in an expanded diameter and no reeded edge
- Clipped planchets: Missing portions of the planchet, creating a distinctive curved or straight clip on the coin's edge
- Significant off-center strikes: Strikes 15% or more off-center, where part of the design is missing but the date remains visible
These errors are valued case-by-case depending on their severity, visual appeal, and grade, but would undoubtedly bring premiums several times the base value of a normal strike.
Authentication and Problem Coins
Cleaned coins show unnatural brightness and hairline scratches; original surfaces display natural toning
The substantial values commanded by 1819 Capped Bust quarters make them targets for counterfeiters and also make it critical to identify problem coins that will trade at significant discounts. Authentication should focus on physical specifications, design accuracy, and surface condition.
Physical verification is the first line of defense. A genuine 1819 quarter should weigh approximately 6.74 grams and measure 27 mm in diameter. The edge must be reeded. Counterfeits, particularly cast copies, often have incorrect weight, a soft or soapy appearance to the details, and may exhibit a seam on the edge where the two halves of a mold met. The style of the digits in the date, the lettering, and the stars should be compared against known genuine examples from reputable sources like PCGS CoinFacts or NGC Coin Explorer.
Cleaning detection is essential, as cleaned coins typically trade for 50% or less of the value of problem-free counterparts. Harsh cleaning with an abrasive substance leaves fine, parallel scratches known as hairlines, particularly visible under magnification. A "whizzed" coin has been buffed with a rotary tool to simulate mint luster, creating an unnatural, brilliant surface with altered metal flow. Dipping a coin in an acidic solution can strip away its original patina, leaving an unnaturally bright but lifeless appearance. Third-party grading services will assign "Details" grades (such as "VF Details—Cleaned") to such coins.
Damage assessment includes any post-mint impairment such as scratches, gouges, rim bumps, or holes drilled for jewelry use. Environmental damage can cause pitting and a rough, porous texture on the coin's surface, often labeled as "Corrosion" on Details holders. These problems dramatically reduce value and should be factored into any purchase decision.
For coins valued above $500, authentication and grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended. The holder provides tamper-evident protection and market confidence, typically adding more value through buyer assurance than the grading fees cost.
Proper Preservation and Handling
Protecting your 1819 Capped Bust Quarter's condition is essential to preserving its value. Silver coins are susceptible to environmental damage, and improper handling can cause irreversible surface deterioration.
Storage should utilize inert, archival-quality holders. Coins already certified by PCGS or NGC are protected in their sonically sealed holders, which should not be removed. For raw coins, use holders made of Mylar or other inert materials. Avoid any holders containing PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which can leach chemicals and cause green, sticky residue to form on a coin's surface—damage that is difficult or impossible to reverse. Store your collection in a cool, dry, and stable environment. Extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity can promote the formation of unattractive toning or corrosion.
Handling should be minimized and done correctly when necessary. Always hold coins by their edges, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces. Preferably wear cotton gloves to prevent oils from your skin from leaving fingerprints or causing long-term surface deterioration. Even the cleanest hands contain oils and acids that can damage silver over time. When examining coins, do so over a soft surface to prevent damage if accidentally dropped.
Never clean your coins. Cleaning removes the natural patina that forms on silver over time and is considered damage by the numismatic community. Even gentle cleaning can leave microscopic scratches that reduce the coin's grade and value. If you believe a coin needs conservation, consult a professional numismatic conservator—never attempt home remedies.
Silver Melt Value Analysis
Understanding the intrinsic metal value of your 1819 Capped Bust Quarter provides context for its numismatic premium, though for this coin, the collectible value far exceeds the underlying silver content.
Each 1819 quarter contains 0.1934 troy ounces of pure silver (Actual Silver Weight). With the silver spot price at approximately $47.76 per troy ounce as of October 2025, the melt value calculates to:
0.1934 oz × $47.76/oz = $9.23
This intrinsic value represents less than 6% of the coin's minimum numismatic value. Even in the lowest collectible grade of AG-3, an 1819 quarter carries a market value of at least $100—more than ten times its silver content. This vast disparity confirms that the 1819 quarter is traded purely as a numismatic item. Its market price is driven entirely by collector demand, historical significance, condition rarity, and die variety scarcity, not by fluctuations in the bullion market.
Consequently, changes in the silver spot price have negligible direct impact on the value of these coins. A 20% increase in silver prices would raise the melt value from $9.23 to approximately $11.08—a change unlikely to affect the $180-$88,000+ numismatic value range in any meaningful way. Collectors should view 1819 quarters as historical artifacts and collectibles rather than as stores of precious metal.
Recent Auction Results
Public auction records provide the most accurate, real-world measure of market values and are particularly important for assessing premiums associated with specific Browning varieties that may not be fully captured in generic price guides.
A PCGS F-12 example of the rare B-1 (Large 9) variety sold for $336 at Stack's Bowers in June 2025. While this price appears modest, it reflects the coin's low grade; the rarity of the B-1 becomes evident in higher grades. An NGC AU-53 specimen realized $1,762.50 at Heritage Auctions in March 2016, demonstrating the strong premium collectors pay for this R-5 rarity in finer condition.
A PCGS G-4 example of the B-2 (Large 9) variety sold for $144 at Stack's Bowers in February 2024. The more common B-3 (Small 9) variety in PCGS EF-45 condition brought $1,320 at Stack's Bowers in March 2020. An NGC VG-10 specimen of the scarce B-4 (Small 9) variety sold for $105.75 in August 2014.
The standing auction record for any 1819 Capped Bust Quarter was established on May 19, 2015, when a PCGS MS-65 specimen (Small 9 variety) sold for $88,125, substantially exceeding the current price guide value and demonstrating the strong demand for top-population examples.
Gem Mint State-65 example showing full original luster, sharp strike, and exceptional eye appeal
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my 1819 Capped Bust Quarter worth?
Values range from approximately $180 for a problem-free Good-4 specimen to over $88,000 for top-grade Mint State examples. The specific value depends on several critical factors: whether your coin is a Small 9 or Large 9 variety, its grade, the presence of any problems (cleaning, damage, corrosion), and for specialists, the specific Browning die marriage. Small 9 varieties are more common and typically worth slightly less than Large 9 varieties in the same grade. The rare B-1 die marriage commands substantial premiums even in lower grades.
How do I identify whether I have a Large 9 or Small 9 variety?
Examine the numeral '9' in the date and compare its size to the adjacent '1'. On the Large 9 variety, the '9' is visibly and substantially taller and broader than the '1'. On the Small 9 variety, the '9' is approximately the same height and size as the '1'. This distinction is usually clear even to the naked eye, though a magnifying glass will make the difference more obvious. The Large 9 is the scarcer variety and generally commands higher prices in Mint State grades.
Should I get my 1819 quarter professionally graded?
For any 1819 quarter valued above approximately $500, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended. Third-party certification provides authentication protection, assigns an impartial grade that the market trusts, and encapsulates the coin in a tamper-evident holder that preserves its condition. The cost of grading (typically $30-$75 depending on service level) is usually recovered through increased buyer confidence and liquidity. For high-grade specimens or rare varieties like the B-1, certification is essential for realizing full market value.
What are the Browning die marriages and why do they matter?
The Browning attribution system, developed by A.W. Browning in 1925, identifies four distinct die marriages for the 1819 quarter: B-1 and B-2 (both Large 9) and B-3 and B-4 (both Small 9). Each marriage represents a unique pairing of obverse and reverse dies with specific diagnostic features. The B-1 is extremely rare (R-5) and commands substantial premiums. The B-4 is scarce (R-4+) and worth more than the common B-3 (R-1). Serious collectors and specialists attribute their coins to specific Browning varieties, which can significantly affect value, particularly for the rare B-1 and scarce B-4.
How should I store and handle my 1819 quarter?
Store your coin in an inert, archival-quality holder—either a PCGS/NGC slab if certified, or a Mylar flip if raw. Avoid holders containing PVC, which can damage the coin's surface. Keep your collection in a cool, dry environment with stable temperature and humidity. When handling, hold the coin only by its edges and preferably wear cotton gloves to prevent oils from your skin from damaging the silver surface. Never clean your coin, as this removes the natural patina and is considered damage that reduces value.
Are there any mint marks on 1819 quarters?
No. All 1819 Capped Bust quarters were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not apply mint marks to quarter dollars during this period. Any coin purporting to be an 1819 quarter with a mint mark should be viewed with extreme suspicion as a potential counterfeit or altered piece. The absence of a mint mark is correct and expected for this issue.
What's the difference between a die crack and circulation wear?
Die cracks appear as raised lines on the coin's surface, caused by cracks that developed in the steel die during the minting process. These are minting characteristics, not damage, and are actually diagnostic features for attributing specific die marriages—the B-1's dramatic bisecting crack is a prime example. Circulation wear, by contrast, appears as smoothing or flattening of the highest points of the design from the coin being used in commerce. Die cracks are present from the moment of striking; wear develops over time through use.
How does the melt value compare to the collectible value?
The silver melt value of an 1819 quarter is approximately $9.23 based on current silver prices, representing the intrinsic worth of its 0.1934 troy ounces of silver content. However, even in the lowest collectible grade, an 1819 quarter has a numismatic value of at least $100—more than ten times its melt value. This vast disparity demonstrates that the 1819 quarter is traded as a historical collectible, not as a store of precious metal. Changes in silver prices have negligible impact on the coin's market value.
What is the current auction record for an 1819 quarter?
The standing auction record for any 1819 Capped Bust Quarter is $88,125, set on May 19, 2015, when a PCGS MS-65 specimen (Small 9 variety) sold at a Stack's Bowers auction. This record demonstrates the strong demand among advanced collectors for top-population examples with exceptional eye appeal, original surfaces, and sharp strikes. The price substantially exceeds current published price guide values for MS-65 specimens.
Can errors increase the value of an 1819 quarter?
Yes, major striking errors can dramatically increase value. A documented example of a double-struck 1819 B-2 quarter that was 45% off-center sold for $1,200 in Good-4 grade, compared to just $144 for a normal G-4 example—an eightfold increase. Other valuable errors include significant off-center strikes (15%+ off-center), broadstrikes, and clipped planchets. Die cracks and cuds typically add only modest premiums ($25-$75) unless particularly dramatic, as they're common on later die states and considered diagnostic features rather than errors.
Price Guide Methodology and Disclaimers
The valuations presented in this guide are derived from multiple authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Primary pricing data comes from the PCGS Price Guide and NGC Coin Explorer, both updated as of October 2025. These reflect wholesale dealer-to-dealer prices and represent the approximate value a collector could expect to receive when selling to a dealer, or pay when purchasing from a reputable dealer with a modest markup.
Auction records provide real-world transaction data and are sourced from major numismatic auction houses including Stack's Bowers Galleries and Heritage Auctions. These results confirm market trends and identify premiums for specific varieties. Historical context and variety diagnostics are drawn from established numismatic references including A.W. Browning's The Early Quarter Dollars of the United States 1796-1838 (1925) and confirmed through population data from PCGS and NGC.
Coin values fluctuate based on market conditions, collector demand, and the discovery of new high-grade specimens. Actual prices realized may vary from published guides depending on the specific coin's eye appeal, strike quality, originality of surfaces, and current market dynamics. Readers are encouraged to consult multiple sources and review recent auction results when making significant purchasing decisions. This guide is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as a guarantee of value or an offer to buy or sell coins at stated prices.
