1839 Quarter Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1839 Quarter Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1839 Quarter 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.

1839 Quarter No Drapery (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $2.10 - $1,997.50

  Uncirculated: $1,035.00 - $64,625.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $60.00 - $1,400.00

  Uncirculated: $2,705.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $30.00 - $2,350.00

  Uncirculated: $2,500.00 - $85,000.00

More Detail

1839 Quarter No Drapery (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $41.00 - $517,500.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $310,000.00 - $500,000.00

More Detail

Design and Specifications of the 1839 Quarter

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of 1839 Quarters significantly impacts their value. High-grade examples are extremely rare, especially for the New Orleans mint. Coins in Mint State condition command substantial premiums due to their scarcity. The absence of drapery behind Liberty's elbow is a characteristic of this year, not considered an error but a design feature.

Factors such as strike quality, luster, and original surfaces play crucial roles in determining value. Toning can also affect desirability, with attractive, natural toning often enhancing appeal to collectors.

Historical significance as the first year of the Seated Liberty design adds considerable value to these quarters. The New Orleans mint issue is particularly desirable as the first quarter dollar produced at this mint.

The 'No Drapery' variety is the only type for this year, making it important for type collectors. Any major errors or die varieties, if discovered, could command significant premiums due to the coin's historical importance.

The overall rarity in high grades means that even examples in lower mint state conditions (MS60-MS64) are highly sought after by collectors and investors.