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

1839 Quarter No Drapery (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $41.00 - $517,500.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $310,000.00 - $500,000.00

Design and Specifications of the 1839 Quarter

The 1839 Quarter marked the first year of the Seated Liberty design for quarters, replacing the Capped Bust design. This new design, created by Christian Gobrecht, featured Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole with a Phrygian cap. The reverse depicted an eagle with a shield. This year is significant as it represents a transitional period in American coinage, with the Seated Liberty design being adopted across multiple denominations.

Weight 6.68 grams
Diameter 24.3 mm
Mint Marks No mint mark (Philadelphia), O (New Orleans)
Composition 90% silver, 10% copper
Obverse Design Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht
Reverse Design Eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht

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.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 491,146

Rarity Scale: Scarce

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: No Drapery variety

Market Demand: High, due to first-year status and historical significance

New Orleans, O

Mintage: 412,600

Rarity Scale: Scarce

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: No Drapery variety

Market Demand: High, due to first-year status and New Orleans mint

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.

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