1833 Capped Bust Quarter Value Guide | $75 to $125,000

1833 Capped Bust Quarter values range from $75 in circulated grades to $125,000 for the finest MS-67 specimen. Learn grading tips, die varieties, and authentication.

Quick Answer

The 1833 Capped Bust Quarter is worth $75 to $125,000 depending on condition and variety.

  • Circulated (G-4 to EF-40): $120 – $550
  • About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58): $1,000 – $2,000
  • Mint State (MS-60 to MS-64): $3,000 – $11,000
  • Gem quality (MS-65+): $25,000 – $125,000
  • Scarce B-2 variety premium: 20-50% over common B-1

While readily available in circulated grades, the 1833 quarter becomes one of the rarest Type 2 dates in Mint State—PCGS has certified only one MS-67 specimen.

What's Your 1833 Quarter Worth?

Select your coin's mint mark and condition to get a value estimate.

Mint Mark — Where was your coin made?
P
Philadelphia
Mint mark location: None (Philadelphia)
Condition — How worn is your coin?
Heavy Wear
Very smooth, details hard to see. Looks like it circulated for decades.
Moderate Wear
Main design visible, but high points are clearly worn flat.
Light Wear
Most details sharp, only slight wear on the highest points.
No Wear (Uncirculated)
Looks brand new with original luster. No signs of circulation.

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About Rare Varieties & Errors
This tool estimates typical values for standard coins only. If your coin has unusual features (minting errors, repunched dates, doubled dies), it may be worth significantly more. Consider posting photos on r/coins or CoinTalk for community feedback.

Introduction to the 1833 Capped Bust Quarter

The 1833 Capped Bust Quarter represents a fascinating duality in early American coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a business strike mintage of 156,000 pieces, this Type 2 Small Diameter quarter is readily accessible to collectors in circulated grades—yet transforms into a formidable rarity at the Mint State level. While an estimated 1,775 examples survive in all grades, PCGS census data reveals only 27 specimens grading MS-60 or better, with a single MS-67 representing the condition census. This sharp distinction creates two distinct markets: affordable type coins for general collectors and trophy pieces commanding five- and six-figure prices for advanced specialists. The existence of two collectible die varieties adds another dimension of interest for attribution enthusiasts.

1833 Capped Bust Quarter obverse and reverse showing Type 2 small diameter design

The 1833 Capped Bust Quarter features John Reich's iconic Liberty portrait with no mint mark

How to Identify Your 1833 Capped Bust Quarter

Proper identification of the 1833 quarter begins with recognizing its specific design type. This coin belongs to the Type 2, Small Diameter series (1831-1838), distinguished from the earlier Type 1 (1815-1828) by its reduced diameter of 24.3mm versus 27mm and its uniform reeded edge produced by a close collar during striking. The Type 1 quarters featured lettered edges reading "E PLURIBUS UNUM," making the edge type a definitive identifier.

1833 Capped Bust Quarter showing Philadelphia Mint produced all quarters without mint mark

All 1833 quarters were struck at Philadelphia with no mint mark—the P mint did not use marks in this era

Obverse Design Features

The obverse displays a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, a classical symbol of freedom, secured by a cloth band inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Her hair flows from beneath the cap down to her shoulder, and her neckline shows draped cloth fastened by a clasp. Thirteen stars encircle the portrait—seven positioned to the left and six to the right—representing the original colonies. The date 1833 appears centered below the portrait.

Reverse Design Features

The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with spread wings. A Union shield appears on the eagle's breast, and it clutches an olive branch (symbolizing peace) in its right talon and a bundle of three arrows (symbolizing military readiness) in its left. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircles the upper design, while the denomination 25 C. is positioned below the eagle. A critical diagnostic for the Type 2 series is the absence of the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, which appeared on a scroll above the eagle on Type 1 quarters.

Mint Mark Information

All 156,000 business strike quarters and 5 Proof strikings dated 1833 were produced at the Philadelphia Mint. During this period, Philadelphia was the only facility producing quarter dollars and did not use mint marks. Therefore, all genuine 1833 quarters will have no mint mark—any coin showing a mint mark letter should be considered suspicious and authenticated by a professional grading service.

1833 Capped Bust Quarter reeded edge detail showing Type 2 characteristic

Type 2 quarters have uniform reeded edges produced by close collar—a key identifier

1833 Capped Bust Quarter Values and Pricing

The market for the 1833 Capped Bust Quarter operates on two distinct levels, with values determined primarily by grade and, in higher grades, by specific die variety. The following analysis combines data from PCGS and NGC price guides with real-world auction results to establish current market valuations.

Business Strike Price Guide

The baseline market values reflect the more common Browning-1 (B-1) variety, which accounts for the majority of surviving examples. The B-2 variety typically commands a premium of 20-50% over these figures in grades VF and higher.

GradePCGS ValueNGC ValuePopulation (PCGS/NGC)
G-4$120$1002 / 5
VG-8$140$1353 / 20
F-12$175$17512 / 7
VF-20$250$35023 / 68
EF-40$550$62559 / 58
AU-50$1,000$1,00028 / 7
AU-58$2,000$1,85012 / 22
MS-60$3,000$2,3003 / 0
MS-62$4,000$3,50011 / 9
MS-63$5,500$5,50017 / 16
MS-64$11,000$11,0005 / 17
MS-65$25,000$33,5002 / 1
MS-66$85,000$80,0001 / 2
MS-67$125,000$125,0001 / 0
1833 Capped Bust Quarter grade comparison showing Good-4, VF-20, and MS-65 specimens

Grade dramatically affects value—from $120 in G-4 to $25,000+ in MS-65

Notable Auction Results

Real-world auction transactions confirm price guide values in circulated grades while revealing the profound impact of pedigree and eye appeal at the highest levels:

About Uncirculated Grades: Recent sales demonstrate market stability in AU grades. An AU-50 example realized $660(Stack's Bowers, July 2025), while another AU-50 brought $780(Stack's Bowers, September 2025), both supporting the ~$1,000 retail guide figure.

Mint State Grades MS-60 to MS-64: An MS-63 specimen sold for $4,080(Heritage, April 2023), aligning with the $5,500 guide when dealer margins are considered. An MS-64 realized $6,600(December 2022), while an MS-64+ with superior eye appeal commanded $15,275(May 2015), demonstrating the premium for plus-grade designations.

Gem and Superb Gem Grades: At this rarefied level, provenance becomes paramount. The D.L. Hansen Collection MS-65 brought $18,800(Heritage, January 2017). The legendary Eric P. Newman Collection MS-66 realized $76,375(Heritage, November 2013), while a non-pedigreed MS-66 sold for $25,850(2016)—a price difference of nearly 200% based solely on collection history. The single finest-known example, the Lawrence R. Stack and D. Brent Pogue MS-67, achieved the record price of $94,000(Stack's Bowers, May 2015).

1833 Proof Quarter

With an estimated mintage of only 5 pieces, the 1833 Proof quarter ranks among the rarest of all U.S. Proof coinage. No standardized price guide exists due to the extreme rarity, and confirmed auction records for certified examples were not located during research for this guide. Should a certified specimen appear at auction, bidding would be expected to reach well into six figures, potentially exceeding $150,000 based on comparable early Proof rarities.

Die Varieties: Browning-1 and Browning-2

The 1833 Capped Bust Quarter exists in two primary die marriages, cataloged by A.W. Browning in his definitive reference The Early Quarter Dollars of the United States 1796-1838. Both varieties share the same obverse die but are paired with distinct reverses, creating clear diagnostic features for attribution specialists.

Browning-1 versus Browning-2 shield stripe comparison on 1833 quarter

Key variety diagnostic: B-1 has three parallel lines in shield stripes, B-2 has only two

Browning-1 (B-1): The Common Variety

Designated as Rarity-2 ("Not So Common"), the B-1 represents the more frequently encountered die marriage. The definitive diagnostic appears on the reverse shield: each vertical stripe (called gules in heraldic terminology) displays three distinct parallel raised lines. The reverse lettering appears sharp and evenly struck, without the prominent repunching visible on the B-2.

A notable and collectible state of the B-1 variety was struck from heavily deteriorated dies. Both obverse and reverse dies developed significant rust and pitting, which transferred to the coins as a rough, granular surface texture. This "Rusted Dies" state is not a mint error but rather evidence of the Philadelphia Mint's practice of using dies until the absolute end of their functional life. Examples exist in all grades from circulated to Mint State, including an MS-64 specimen specifically described as showing "extensive rust pits on both sides." The Rusted Dies state does not typically command a significant price premium or penalty; its value remains dependent on the underlying grade and eye appeal.

Browning-2 (B-2, FS-901): Repunched Reverse Letters

The scarcer of the two die marriages, the B-2 carries a Rarity-3 designation ("Scarce") and is highly sought after for its dramatic diagnostic features. Modern variety specialists also catalog it as FS-901, denoting Repunched Letters (RPL). Three key attribution points distinguish this variety:

  1. Shield Stripes: Each vertical stripe on the Union shield displays only two parallel raised lines instead of the three seen on B-1—a clear and unmistakable difference visible even on worn examples.
  2. Repunched 'F' in OF: The letter F in the word OF shows prominent doubling, with a strong underlying letter visible just to the left of the correctly positioned letter.
  3. Repunched 'A' in AMERICA: The first A in AMERICA exhibits similar dramatic repunching, with the underlying letter clearly visible on well-preserved specimens.
1833 Browning-2 quarter showing repunched letters on reverse

B-2 diagnostic: prominent repunching visible on 'F' in OF and first 'A' in AMERICA

The B-2 variety consistently trades at a premium over the B-1 due to its greater rarity and distinctive, collectible features. In VF-20, expect to pay $300-$400 versus ~$250 for a B-1. An XF-45 (PCGS) sold for $660(February 2023), while an AU-50 realized $840(July 2025). In Mint State, the premium becomes more pronounced: an MS-64 (NGC) brought $6,600(Heritage, December 2022), while another MS-64 sold for $7,800(Heritage, February 2022). The auction record for the variety stands at $72,000 for an MS-66 specimen (Heritage, January 2021).

The die usage patterns evident in the 1833 quarter provide insight into the Philadelphia Mint's operational philosophy during this era. The use of a reverse die from 1831/32 for the B-1, the continued striking from heavily rusted dies, and the decision to employ the clearly repunched B-2 reverse all point to a culture of extreme thrift. Dies were valuable, hand-crafted tools, and the mint prioritized maximizing their utility over aesthetic perfection. This "use it until it breaks" approach is the direct origin of many die varieties that are now highly prized by collectors.

Grading Your 1833 Capped Bust Quarter

Accurate grading requires understanding which design elements show wear first and distinguishing circulation wear from weak strike characteristics common to early U.S. coinage.

1833 Capped Bust Quarter key wear points for grading

Check Liberty's hair and cap (obverse) and eagle's head and wings (reverse) for wear

Key Wear Points: Obverse

On the obverse, friction and circulation wear first appear on the highest relief areas of Liberty's portrait. Examine Liberty's hair above her eye and ear, which will show flattening even on About Uncirculated coins. The highest point of the Phrygian cap will lose detail quickly, with the cap fabric appearing smooth. The shoulder clasp, though lower in relief, is another critical checkpoint—on lower-grade examples, the clasp details will be completely worn away.

Key Wear Points: Reverse

The reverse exhibits wear primarily on the eagle's anatomical high points. The eagle's head and neck region will show smoothing first, with feather detail disappearing as the grade declines. The top edges of both wings, particularly where they meet the body, are vulnerable to wear. Below the shield, examine the tail feathers—these will show progressive flattening from AU down through circulated grades.

1833 quarter comparing weak strike versus circulation wear

Weak strike (left) shows incomplete details but retains luster; wear (right) shows smoothed surfaces

Strike Quality Versus Wear

One of the most critical distinctions in grading Capped Bust quarters is differentiating weak strike from circulation wear. Many 1833 quarters, particularly those struck late in a die pair's life, exhibit areas of incomplete strike. Star centers may be weakly defined, or Liberty's hair may lack full detail even on uncirculated examples. The key diagnostic is luster: a weakly struck but uncirculated coin will retain its original mint luster in the protected field areas, visible as a soft, cartwheel effect under rotation. A circulated coin will show dulling or smoothing of surfaces on the high points, indicating metal has been worn away by friction.

Grading Circulated Examples

In grades Good through Very Good (G-4 to VG-8), the date and major design elements remain visible, but nearly all fine detail is worn away. LIBERTY on the cap band should be mostly readable in VG-8. In Fine through Very Fine grades (F-12 to VF-20), the design takes shape with moderate detail—stars show centers, Liberty's hair shows separation, and the eagle's feathers begin to emerge. At Extremely Fine (EF-40 to EF-45), the coin retains approximately 90% of its original detail, with wear confined to the absolute highest points. Light friction may be visible in the fields.

About Uncirculated and Mint State

About Uncirculated coins (AU-50 to AU-58) show friction on the high points but no actual wear to the design. Fields will show traces of mint luster. Mint State coins (MS-60 through MS-67) display no wear whatsoever. Grading within the Mint State range focuses on surface preservation, strike quality, eye appeal, and the presence or absence of contact marks. At the MS-65 level and above, coins must exhibit exceptional eye appeal with strong, uninterrupted luster and minimal distracting marks.

Authentication and Problem Detection

Due to the significant values commanded by high-grade 1833 quarters, proper authentication is essential. Collectors must be aware of both period counterfeits and modern forgeries.

Contemporary counterfeits from the 1830s were intended for circulation and were typically cast rather than struck. These forgeries were produced in base metals like lead or tin and exhibit several telltale diagnostics. The surface texture appears soft and soapy with poorly defined details. Weight is usually incorrect—genuine 1833 quarters weigh 6.74 grams, while cast fakes are typically lighter. The "ring test" can be diagnostic: when tapped, a genuine silver coin produces a high-pitched ring, while cast base metal fakes produce a dull thud. Many cast counterfeits show a visible seam along the edge where the two halves of the casting mold met.

Modern forgeries present a more sophisticated threat, particularly high-quality pieces originating from overseas operations. These are often produced using transfer dies created from a genuine "host" coin, allowing them to replicate design details with high accuracy. Detection relies on identifying repeating depressions or marks—called "sister marks"—that were present on the host coin and appear on every fake produced from that die set. Edge reeding is another critical checkpoint: counterfeit reeding is often improperly shaped, unevenly spaced, or shows tool marks inconsistent with period minting equipment. When evaluating any expensive example, compare against high-resolution images of certified genuine specimens and consider professional authentication by PCGS or NGC.

1833 Capped Bust Quarter showing signs of improper cleaning

Cleaned coins show hairline scratches and unnatural luster—avoid these problem pieces

Cleaned coins represent the most common category of problem pieces. Signs of cleaning include hairlines—fine, parallel scratches visible under magnification, typically concentrated in the open fields—caused by wiping with an abrasive cloth. Chemical cleaning produces an unnaturally bright, sterile appearance lacking the soft cartwheel luster of an original coin. Polished examples exhibit a slick, glossy shine. Irregular toning is another red flag: natural toning develops evenly over decades, while patchy toning or unnaturally dark coloration only in device crevices may indicate past cleaning. Carefully inspect for post-mint damage including significant rim bumps, deep scratches or gouges, graffiti, or evidence of tooling where marks have been effaced or repaired. Third-party certification services will designate problem coins with "Details" grades, severely impacting market value.

Preservation and Storage Best Practices

Proper storage is essential to protecting the condition and value of an 1833 Capped Bust Quarter. The primary enemies of silver coins are environmental contaminants, improper handling, and exposure to damaging chemicals.

For any specimen of significant value—typically EF-40 or higher—encapsulation by a reputable third-party grading service such as PCGS or NGC is the industry standard. This provides professional authentication, a grade opinion from experienced numismatists, and superior long-term protection in a sonically sealed, inert holder. Certified coins should be stored in a stable environment with low humidity, away from direct sunlight, and protected from extreme temperature fluctuations.

For lower-grade examples or coins awaiting submission for certification, use only archival-quality holders that are explicitly labeled as PVC-free. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a plasticizer found in many older coin holders that breaks down over time, depositing a greenish, corrosive residue on coin surfaces that can cause permanent damage. Suitable storage options include non-PVC flips, Mylar holders, or rigid plastic capsules made from inert materials.

When handling any coin, never touch the obverse or reverse surfaces with bare hands. Skin oils, acids, and salts can cause toning or spotting over time. Use cotton or nitrile gloves, or hold the coin by its edge only. Never attempt to clean a coin through any method—wiping, chemical dipping, or mechanical abrasion. Cleaning invariably reduces value and will result in a "Details" grade from certification services. If a coin appears dirty or has environmental deposits, consult a professional conservator affiliated with a major grading service who can evaluate whether conservation is appropriate and perform any work using accepted techniques.

Recent Auction Results and Market Trends

Auction records from the past decade provide valuable insights into the 1833 Capped Bust Quarter market, revealing pricing patterns across the grading spectrum and highlighting the profound impact of pedigree at the highest grade levels.

In circulated grades from Good through About Uncirculated, the market demonstrates liquidity and price stability. Multiple AU-50 examples have traded in the $660-$780 range in recent years, with a July 2025 Stack's Bowers sale of an AU-50 B-1 realizing $660(Stack's Bowers, July 2025) and a September 2025 sale bringing $780, supporting the ~$1,000 retail valuation. For the scarce B-2 variety, an AU-50 sold for $840 in July 2025, demonstrating the modest but consistent variety premium in About Uncirculated grades.

The lower Mint State grades (MS-60 through MS-64) show more price variability based on eye appeal and strike quality. An MS-63 sold for $4,080 at a Heritage auction in April 2023, while MS-64 specimens have ranged from $6,600 to $7,800 depending on variety and overall quality. The importance of the plus-grade designation is illustrated by the $15,275 result for an MS-64+ specimen in May 2015—a significant premium over standard MS-64 examples.

At the Gem and Superb Gem levels (MS-65+), provenance becomes a primary value driver. The D.L. Hansen Collection MS-65 realized $18,800 at Heritage in January 2017, establishing a baseline for the grade. The Eric P. Newman Collection MS-66 achieved $76,375 in November 2013, while a non-pedigreed MS-66 sold for just $25,850 in 2016—a price differential approaching 200% based solely on collection history. The single finest-known example, graded MS-67 by PCGS and pedigreed to the legendary Lawrence R. Stack and D. Brent Pogue collections, set the record at $94,000 in a Stack's Bowers auction in May 2015. For the B-2 variety, the auction record stands at $72,000 for an MS-66 sold by Heritage in January 2021.

These auction results confirm that while the 1833 quarter is accessible in circulated grades, Mint State examples—particularly in Gem condition—represent significant condition rarities that attract premium prices from advanced collectors and registry set competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my 1833 Capped Bust Quarter worth?

Values range from $120 in Good-4 condition to $125,000 for the finest-known MS-67 specimen. Most circulated examples in VF to EF grades trade in the $250-$625 range, while About Uncirculated pieces typically bring $1,000-$2,000. Mint State coins command significant premiums, with MS-63 examples valued around $5,500 and Gem MS-65 specimens starting at $25,000. The scarce Browning-2 variety trades at a 20-50% premium over common Browning-1 pieces in grades VF-20 and higher.

How do I identify which variety I have?

The two primary varieties are distinguished by reverse features. Browning-1 (B-1), the more common variety, shows three parallel raised lines within each vertical stripe on the shield and lacks prominent repunching. Browning-2 (B-2), the scarcer variety, displays only two parallel lines in the shield stripes and exhibits dramatic repunching on the letter F in OF and the first A in AMERICA. Under magnification, the underlying letters are visible just to the left of the correctly positioned letters on B-2 specimens. Use a 5-10x magnifying loupe to examine these diagnostic areas.

Should I get my coin professionally graded?

Professional grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended for any 1833 quarter in EF-40 or higher grade, particularly for B-2 variety examples. Certification provides authentication, establishes a professional grade opinion, and significantly enhances marketability. The cost of grading (typically $30-$100 depending on service level) is easily justified by the increased buyer confidence and protection against cleaned or damaged coins. For coins in lower circulated grades (G-4 through VF-20), raw coins are acceptable if the value doesn't justify grading fees, but certification still adds credibility when selling.

What's the melt value of an 1833 quarter?

Based on the coin's composition of 89.2% silver and 10.8% copper, weight of 6.74 grams, and a silver spot price of approximately $48.80 per troy ounce (November 2025), the melt value is approximately $9.43. This represents the absolute minimum value—the silver content alone. However, even the most worn 1833 quarters in Poor condition command numismatic premiums well above melt value, typically starting around $75 for problem-free examples. The melt value serves as a theoretical floor but has no practical relevance to the collectible market.

How can I tell if my coin has been cleaned?

Cleaned coins exhibit several telltale signs. Under magnification, look for hairline scratches—fine, parallel lines in the fields caused by wiping with cloth or abrasive materials. Cleaned coins often appear unnaturally bright with a harsh, sterile luster lacking the soft cartwheel effect of original uncirculated surfaces. Polished examples show a slick, glossy appearance. Chemical dipping may leave residue in crevices or create unnatural color tones. Natural toning develops evenly over decades, while patchy or irregular toning patterns may indicate past cleaning. Third-party grading services will designate cleaned coins with "Details" grades (such as "AU Details - Cleaned"), which significantly reduces market value—often by 50% or more compared to problem-free examples of the same technical grade.

Why are high-grade 1833 quarters so rare?

Despite a mintage of 156,000 pieces, the 1833 quarter is exceptionally rare in Mint State for several reasons. First, these coins entered immediate circulation during the 1830s when coins were valued primarily for their silver content and spending power, not as collectibles. Second, the small diameter Type 2 design was particularly vulnerable to contact marks during production and handling—the reduced size concentrated striking forces and made the coins prone to bag marks. Third, systematic coin collecting didn't gain widespread popularity until decades later, meaning few 1833 quarters were preserved in uncirculated condition. PCGS population data confirms the scarcity: only 27 examples grade MS-60 or better, with a single MS-67 representing the condition census. This makes high-grade 1833 quarters among the rarest Type 2 Capped Bust issues.

What does the Rusted Dies state mean for my B-1 coin?

The Rusted Dies state refers to a collectible condition of the Browning-1 variety where both obverse and reverse dies had developed extensive rust and pitting before striking. This deterioration transferred to the coins, creating a rough, granular surface texture visible on both sides. This is not a mint error but rather evidence of the Philadelphia Mint's practice of using dies until complete failure. Rusted Dies examples exist in all grades from circulated to Mint State. While the distinctive appearance interests specialists, the Rusted Dies state typically does not command a significant premium or penalty—value remains primarily dependent on the underlying grade and overall eye appeal. Some collectors specifically seek these pieces as examples of period production practices.

Are there any Proof 1833 quarters?

Yes, but they are extraordinarily rare. The recorded mintage for 1833 Proofs is just 5 pieces, placing them among the rarest of all U.S. Proof coinage. These were struck with specially prepared, highly polished planchets and dies, typically receiving multiple strikes at high pressure to produce deeply mirrored fields contrasting with frosted devices. Due to the minuscule surviving population, confirmed auction appearances of certified 1833 Proof quarters are exceptionally uncommon. No standardized price guide exists; values are established only when one of the few known specimens reaches auction. Based on comparable early Proof rarities, a certified example would likely command well into six figures, potentially exceeding $150,000.

Is the 1833 quarter a good investment?

Investment potential varies dramatically by grade. Circulated examples (G-4 through EF-40) offer affordability and historic appeal but limited appreciation potential—they serve primarily as type coins for collectors assembling circulated sets. About Uncirculated pieces (AU-50 to AU-58) represent a middle ground with moderate liquidity. The strongest investment case exists for Mint State examples, particularly in MS-63 to MS-65 grades, where extreme condition rarity creates sustained demand from registry set collectors. The record prices achieved by top-tier specimens (MS-66, MS-67) demonstrate the market's willingness to pay substantial premiums for condition census coins. However, all coin investments carry risks including market fluctuations, authentication concerns, and liquidity challenges. Coins should be acquired primarily for collecting enjoyment rather than as pure financial investments.

Where can I sell my 1833 Capped Bust Quarter?

The optimal venue depends on grade and value. For circulated examples worth under $500, consider local coin dealers, online marketplaces like eBay, or regional coin shows. Mid-grade examples (AU to MS-62) valued at $500-$5,000 are well-suited to consignment with reputable auction houses such as Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers, or GreatCollections. High-grade specimens (MS-63+) and rare varieties should be offered through major numismatic auction houses where serious collectors actively bid. For maximum value on exceptional pieces, ensure the coin is professionally certified by PCGS or NGC before selling. Auction houses typically charge consignment fees of 10-20% but provide access to the broadest buyer base and achieve the strongest prices for significant coins.

Research Methodology and Sources

This value guide synthesizes data from multiple authoritative numismatic sources to provide accurate, current market information. Price guides from PCGS CoinFacts and NGC Coin Explorer establish baseline retail values across the grading spectrum. Population data from both services provides rarity context, with figures current as of November 2025. Auction records from Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers Galleries, and other major firms document real-world transaction prices for specimens ranging from circulated examples to condition census pieces.

Historical and technical specifications are drawn from established references including United States quarter mintage figures and comprehensive dealer resources from APMEX. Die variety attributions follow the Browning system, with diagnostic information verified against PCGS FS designations. Silver melt values reflect spot prices from JM Bullion and APMEX as of November 2025.

All price information represents retail market values. Actual selling prices may vary based on individual coin quality, eye appeal, market timing, and venue. Collector demand and precious metal prices fluctuate; verify current spot prices and auction comparables when making buying or selling decisions. This guide is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute investment advice.

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