1847 Seated Liberty Quarter Value Guide (1847 & 1847-O)
1847 Seated Liberty quarters are worth $50 to $60,000. The Philadelphia issue is common in circulated grades. The 1847-O is a key date worth $175 to $35,000. Proof specimens are extreme rarities.
The 1847 Seated Liberty Quarter is worth $50 to $60,000, depending on mint and condition.
- 1847 Philadelphia (common): $50 – $800 circulated, $1,350 – $17,500 uncirculated
- 1847-O New Orleans (key date): $175 – $6,500 circulated, $12,500 – $35,000 uncirculated
- 1847 Proof (extreme rarity): $17,625 – $60,000
- Die varieties: FS-801 DDR commands 30-50% premium
The 1847-O is a conditional rarity with exponentially lower survival rates in high grades than its Philadelphia counterpart, establishing it as a key date of the 1840s.
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1847 Seated Liberty Quarter Overview
The 1847 Seated Liberty Quarter features Christian Gobrecht's iconic Type 2 design with added drapery.
The 1847 Seated Liberty Quarter represents a significant year within the long-running series that defined American silver coinage for over half a century. Struck at both the Philadelphia and New Orleans mints during the "Type 2, No Motto" design period, these quarters present a fascinating study in mint operations and market rarity. The Philadelphia issue, with 734,000 pieces minted, is relatively common and accessible to collectors. In stark contrast, the New Orleans issue is a key date, with only 368,000 struck and an exponentially lower survival rate in high grades. Additionally, an estimated ten Proof specimens were produced at Philadelphia, making them extreme rarities that command prices into the tens of thousands of dollars. This guide provides comprehensive pricing, identification techniques, and collecting strategies for all 1847-dated quarters.
How to Identify an 1847 Seated Liberty Quarter
The O mint mark appears below the eagle's claws, above the denomination.
All 1847 quarters share the "Type 2, No Motto" design created by Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht. The obverse features a full figure of Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole with a Phrygian cap and supporting a shield inscribed "LIBERTY". She is surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date 1847 positioned below. A defining characteristic of the Type 2 design, introduced in 1840, is the presence of extra drapery flowing from Liberty's left elbow, distinguishing it from earlier Type 1 coins.
The reverse displays a heraldic eagle clutching an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left, symbolizing peace and military readiness. The inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" encircles the design, with the denomination "QUAR. DOL." (Quarter Dollar) positioned below the eagle. The edge is reeded with vertical grooves, standard for silver coinage of the era.
Distinguishing between the two business strike issues is straightforward. Philadelphia Mint quarters bear no mint mark, following standard practice for the main U.S. Mint facility. New Orleans quarters feature a prominent "O" mint mark on the reverse, located below the eagle's claws and above the denomination "QUAR. DOL." This placement makes identification easy even on moderately worn specimens.
Collectors should be aware of typical striking characteristics when evaluating these coins. Philadelphia issues are generally well-struck with sharp details throughout. The 1847-O, however, is frequently found with weakness in the high points of the design, particularly on Liberty's head, the shield details, and the obverse stars. This weakness was a result of mint procedures and die preparation rather than wear, so even uncirculated 1847-O quarters often exhibit these characteristics. Well-struck examples of the New Orleans issue command significant premiums over typical specimens.
1847 Seated Liberty Quarter Values & Auction Results
Value increases dramatically in higher uncirculated grades, especially for the 1847-O.
The market for 1847 Seated Liberty Quarters is sharply divided between the Philadelphia and New Orleans issues, with values reflecting dramatically different survival rates and collector demand.
1847 Philadelphia Mint Business Strike
With a generous mintage of 734,000, the 1847 Philadelphia issue is one of the most accessible dates in the "No Motto" Seated Liberty quarter series. This availability makes it a popular choice for type collectors and those building date sets on a budget. Circulated examples from Good through Fine are readily available, while the supply begins to tighten in Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated grades. In Mint State, the 1847(P) becomes moderately rare, with gem examples graded MS-65 or higher being genuinely scarce and highly sought after.
| Grade | NGC Price Guide (Oct 2025) |
|---|---|
| G-4 | $50 |
| VG-8 | $65 |
| F-12 | $90 |
| VF-20 | $150 |
| EF-40 | $235 |
| AU-50 | $300 |
| AU-58 | $800 |
| MS-62 | $1,350 |
| MS-63 | $2,000 |
| MS-64 | $4,000 |
| MS-65 | $7,500 |
| MS-66 | $17,500 |
Notable Auction Results: A PCGS MS-65 example sold for $3,995 at Heritage Auctions in January 2016. An NGC MS-66 realized $7,475 at Heritage in April 2009. A PCGS MS-63 brought $1,410 in July 2015. Recent sales of circulated examples show G-4 specimens selling for $45 to $95, while an NGC AU-55 brought $384 at Stack's Bowers in September 2025.
1847-O New Orleans Mint Business Strike
The 1847-O quarter is a classic key date of the Seated Liberty series, ranking as the third most valuable quarter of the 1840s in top grades. Despite a mintage of 368,000—only about half that of Philadelphia—its survival rate is exceptionally low, particularly in grades of VF-20 and higher. The intense commercial circulation in the South and Mississippi River Valley, combined with often-subpar strike quality, created a perfect storm for rarity. PCGS population data reveals the issue's scarcity: just one certified in MS-62, two in MS-63, and a single coin in MS-64, with none graded finer.
| Grade | NGC Price Guide (Oct 2025) |
|---|---|
| G-4 | $175 |
| VG-8 | $250 |
| F-12 | $450 |
| VF-20 | $950 |
| EF-40 | $1,400 |
| AU-50 | $2,000 |
| AU-58 | $6,500 |
| MS-62 | $12,500 |
| MS-63 | $15,500 |
| MS-64 | $35,000 |
Notable Auction Results: A PCGS MS-62 sold for $7,050 at Heritage in 2017. An NGC MS-63 brought $12,925 at Heritage in 2017. An NGC AU-58 realized $4,230 in 2015. Even in lower grades, the issue commands premiums: a PCGS AU-50 sold for $1,020 in 2021, and a PCGS VF example brought $690 that same year.
1847 Proof
The 1847 Proof quarter is an object of extreme rarity. With an estimated original mintage of just ten pieces and a known survival of seven to eight specimens, these coins were struck for presentation purposes using specially prepared, polished planchets and dies. They feature sharp, squared-off rims, deeply mirrored fields, and frosted design elements. Their appearances at auction are major numismatic events, and they are considered "trophy coins" obtainable only by the most advanced collectors.
| Date | Auction House | Grade | Price Realized |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2015 | Heritage | NGC PR-64 | $17,625 |
| Jun 2014 | Heritage | NGC PR-64 | $19,975 |
| Nov 2013 | Heritage | PCGS PR-65 | $28,200 |
| Apr 2013 | Heritage | NGC PR-65 | $25,850 |
| Apr 2009 | Heritage | PCGS PR-65 | $18,400 |
| Jul 2008 | Heritage | PCGS PR-65 | $25,300 |
| May 2006 | Goldbergs | PCGS PR-65 | $24,150 |
A retail listing for a PCGS PR-65 example was priced at $60,000, reflecting the coin's status as an ultimate rarity for advanced specialists.
Grading 1847 Seated Liberty Quarters
Key wear points include Liberty's knee, breast, hair, and the eagle's head and claws.
The 1847-O is typically found with weakness on stars and Liberty's head - well-struck examples command premiums.
Learning to distinguish strike weakness from wear is essential for accurate grading.
Accurately grading Seated Liberty quarters requires understanding the difference between circulation wear and striking weakness—a critical distinction, especially for the 1847-O. The first areas to show wear on the obverse are Liberty's knee, her breast, and the hair above her ear. On the reverse, wear first appears on the eagle's head, neck, the tops of the wings, and the claws. These high points should be examined carefully under good lighting and magnification.
Good (G-4): Heavy wear throughout. The date and major design elements are visible, but most detail is worn smooth. Liberty's figure is outlined but lacks internal detail. The shield may be barely visible. On the reverse, the eagle is outlined but individual feathers are indistinct.
Very Good (VG-8): Moderate to heavy wear. At least three letters in "LIBERTY" on the shield are complete and readable. Liberty's figure shows more definition than G-4, with some folds in the drapery visible. The reverse eagle shows slightly more detail in the feathers, though still worn.
Fine (F-12): Moderate wear on high points. All letters in "LIBERTY" are complete and clear. Liberty's hair shows some strands, and the drapery has visible folds. On the reverse, the eagle's feathers are partially separated, and wing details are emerging.
Very Fine (VF-20): Light to moderate wear. "LIBERTY" is sharp and bold. Liberty's hair shows good detail, with individual strands visible. The drapery is well-defined. The reverse eagle displays clear feather separation, and the claws are distinct.
Extremely Fine (EF-40): Slight wear on highest points only. Liberty's hair, knee, and breast show minor friction but retain nearly full detail. The shield and drapery are sharp. On the reverse, the eagle's feathers are well-separated with only minor wear on the highest points of the head and wing tips.
About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58): Traces of wear on the highest points. AU-50 shows slight friction on Liberty's knee, breast, and hair, with most mint luster intact in protected areas. AU-58 has minimal wear, with nearly full mint luster remaining. The reverse shows only the slightest friction on the eagle's head and wing tips.
Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70): No trace of wear. Grading distinctions in mint state depend on contact marks, luster quality, strike sharpness, and eye appeal. MS-60 through MS-62 coins show numerous contact marks and may have impaired luster. MS-63 examples have fewer marks and better luster. MS-64 coins are scarce with minimal marks and strong luster. MS-65 and higher grades are rare, exhibiting exceptional eye appeal with minimal imperfections and full, original luster. For the 1847-O, strike quality is particularly important—well-struck examples with sharp stars and full head details command significant premiums over typical soft strikes.
1847 Philadelphia Die Varieties
The FS-801 variety shows strong doubling on the reverse, visible even on moderately worn coins.
The 1847 Philadelphia quarter is particularly rewarding for specialists in die varieties. The manual die-making processes of the antebellum mint—including hand-punched dates and multiple hub impressions—frequently resulted in distinctive variations. These are not random errors but rather artifacts of 19th-century die manufacturing technology. The year 1847 is noted for having one of the most diverse sets of die marriages in the entire Seated Liberty quarter series.
1847/47 Repunched Date & Doubled Die Reverse (FS-801, Briggs 2-A)
This is the most dramatic and sought-after variety of the year, identifiable by features on both sides of the coin. On the obverse, the date is positioned distinctly to the left, with the right edge of the digit "1" aligning with the fourth vertical shield line from the left. On high-grade specimens (XF or better), clear repunching is visible near the bottom of the "4" and as remnants of a previous "7" to the left of the final digit.
The reverse displays strong doubling that is easily visible even on moderately worn coins. Key diagnostics include clear separation on the horizontal crossbars of the letters "A" and "R" in "QUAR." and pronounced doubling on the eagle's left claws (from the viewer's perspective). This variety is scarce but appears on the market with some regularity, commanding a premium of 30% to 50% over normal 1847 quarters. An NGC XF-45 example sold for $227 in April 2023, while an ANACS EF-45 with both DDR and repunched date attributes sold for $150 in December 2022.
1847 Doubled Die Reverse with Normal Date (Briggs 1-A, VP-002)
This variety shares the same dramatic reverse doubling as FS-801, showing identical characteristics on "QUAR." and the eagle's claws. However, the obverse is from a different die that lacks the far-left date positioning and repunching found on the Briggs 2-A obverse. This variety is also scarce and commands a similar premium to FS-801, though specialists have noted that its availability relative to FS-801 has fluctuated over time.
1847 Misplaced Date (FS-301, Briggs B-3C)
This variety is characterized by one or more digits of the date being initially punched into an incorrect location on the die—typically in the area of Liberty's rock or drapery—before being effaced and correctly punched in the proper position. Identifying this variety requires high magnification and careful comparison with reference materials such as the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties. While scarcer than the doubled die varieties, it carries a moderate premium and is sought by specialists who appreciate the historical insight it provides into die preparation techniques.
1847 Seated Liberty Quarter Mint Errors
Mint errors are distinct from die varieties in that they represent one-off manufacturing accidents rather than features inherent to the die itself. For the 1847 quarter, several types of plausible errors exist, though major, dramatic examples from 19th-century coinage are quite rare.
Off-Center Strikes: These occur when the planchet is improperly seated in the collar during striking, resulting in a portion of the design being unstruck. Value is determined by the percentage the coin is off-center and whether the date and mint mark (if applicable) remain visible. A minor 5% off-center strike might add a small premium over a normal coin, while a dramatic 40-50% off-center strike with a full date visible could be worth several hundred dollars to specialists.
Lamination Flaws: Impurities in the silver planchet can cause pieces of the coin's surface to flake or peel away before or after striking. Minor laminations add modest premiums, while large, dramatic peels that expose underlying layers can significantly increase value and collector interest.
Die Cracks and Cuds: As dies age and deteriorate from repeated use, they can develop cracks that appear as raised lines on the struck coin. If a piece of the die breaks off entirely—often at the rim—it creates a "cud," which is a raised, blank area of metal on the coin. The value depends on the size and location of the crack or cud, with dramatic rim-to-rim cracks or large cuds being particularly desirable.
Major, eye-catching errors on 19th-century silver coinage are evaluated individually by specialists, as each error is unique. Collectors interested in mint errors should consult references dedicated to the field and have potential error coins authenticated by reputable third-party grading services.
Authenticating 1847 Seated Liberty Quarters
Cleaned coins show hairlines, dull luster, and unnatural appearance - avoid these problem coins.
While sophisticated counterfeits of common-date Seated Liberty quarters are not as prevalent as those of gold coins or key-date rarities, they do exist. Additionally, altered dates and added mintmarks pose risks for collectors of scarcer issues like the 1847-O. Careful examination is essential before making any significant purchase.
Begin by checking the coin's weight and composition. A genuine 1847 quarter should weigh approximately 6.68 grams when new, or slightly less due to circulation wear. Significant deviations—particularly lighter weight—are major red flags. Modern counterfeits are often made from base metal alloys with low or no silver content and can be identified by their incorrect weight or non-magnetic but suspiciously light feel. A precision scale capable of measuring to 0.01 grams is an invaluable tool for the serious collector.
Examine the coin's surface characteristics under magnification. Genuine coins have smooth, dense fields with consistent metal texture. Counterfeits made from cast copies often exhibit porous, pitted, or "bubbly" surfaces due to trapped air in the casting process. Look for small, random lumps of metal—these are telltale signs of a casting. Additionally, inspect the sharpness of the lettering, stars, and Liberty's facial features. Counterfeits typically have a soft, mushy appearance with poorly defined details, lacking the crisp precision of genuine mint products.
For the 1847-O, pay special attention to the mint mark. The style, size, and placement of the "O" should match known authentic examples. Counterfeiters sometimes add a mint mark to a more common Philadelphia coin to increase its perceived value. Look for signs of tooling around the mint mark area, an unnatural seam between the mint mark and the field, or a difference in color or toning that suggests the mintmark was added after the coin was originally struck.
When dealing with problem coins, the most common issues are cleaning and various forms of damage. A coin that has been improperly cleaned will show fine, parallel scratches (hairlines) across the fields, particularly visible under angled lighting. These hairlines result from abrasive cleaning with brushes or cloths and permanently damage the coin's surface, destroying both its value and collectibility. Chemically "dipped" coins often display a dull, lifeless, unnaturally uniform appearance, having been stripped of their original mint luster and protective patina. Dirt or toning concentrated only in protected areas around letters and devices can also indicate a past cleaning.
For significant purchases, especially of key dates, high-grade specimens, or varieties, buying coins that have been certified and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services such as PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended. These services authenticate coins and assign grades, providing assurance and liquidity in the marketplace.
Preserving Your 1847 Seated Liberty Quarter
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintaining the condition and value of any numismatic coin. Silver coins like the 1847 Seated Liberty Quarter are particularly sensitive to environmental factors and improper handling, both of which can cause irreversible damage.
Store your coins in a stable, low-humidity environment. Excessive moisture can lead to toning, spotting, or corrosion over time. Use inert, archival-quality storage materials such as coin holders ("slabs") from reputable third-party grading services, or chemically stable holders and flips specifically designed for long-term coin storage. Avoid holders made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as this material can leach harmful chemicals that cause green, sticky residue to form on the coin's surface—a condition known as "PVC damage" that is difficult or impossible to reverse.
Minimize handling of your coins. When it is necessary to handle them, hold coins only by their edges, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces with your fingers. The oils, acids, and salts naturally present on human skin can leave fingerprints that will tone or corrode over time. If you must examine a coin outside its holder, do so over a soft, padded surface to prevent damage if it is accidentally dropped.
Never attempt to clean your coins. Even gentle cleaning can cause microscopic scratches and remove the original surface patina, dramatically reducing both the coin's grade and its market value. Collectors and professionals value originality above all else. A naturally toned, uncleaned coin will always be worth more than a cleaned example of the same grade. If you believe a coin needs conservation, consult a professional numismatic conservator rather than attempting any treatment yourself.
For particularly valuable specimens—such as the 1847-O in high grades or the rare 1847 Proof—consider additional security measures including a safe or safe deposit box. Maintain detailed records and photographs of your collection for insurance purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my 1847 Seated Liberty Quarter worth?
The value depends on the mint mark and condition. An 1847 Philadelphia quarter ranges from $50 in Good condition to $17,500 in gem Mint State. The 1847-O New Orleans quarter is significantly more valuable, starting at $175 in Good and reaching $35,000 for the finest known MS-64 example. Proof specimens are extreme rarities worth $17,625 to $60,000. Die varieties like the FS-801 Doubled Die Reverse command premiums of 30-50% over normal examples.
How do I identify the mint mark on an 1847 quarter?
The mint mark location is on the reverse, below the eagle's claws and above the denomination "QUAR. DOL." Philadelphia Mint quarters have no mint mark, while New Orleans quarters display a prominent "O" in this location. The mint mark is usually visible even on heavily worn specimens, making identification straightforward.
Why is the 1847-O quarter so much more valuable than the 1847 Philadelphia?
Despite having only half the mintage of Philadelphia (368,000 vs. 734,000), the 1847-O has an exponentially lower survival rate, particularly in higher grades. The coin circulated heavily in the commercial-intensive South and Mississippi River Valley, where there was little contemporary numismatic activity to preserve specimens. Additionally, 1847-O quarters are typically found weakly struck, which may have discouraged saving. PCGS has certified only four specimens in Mint State: one MS-62, two MS-63, and a single MS-64, with none finer.
What is the 1847 FS-801 die variety?
The FS-801 is a dramatic doubled die reverse variety also featuring a repunched date on the obverse. The date is positioned distinctly to the left, with visible repunching on high-grade specimens. The reverse shows strong doubling on the letters in "QUAR." and the eagle's claws, visible even on moderately worn coins. This variety is scarce and commands a 30-50% premium over normal 1847 quarters, with values ranging from approximately $150 in VF condition to $550 or more in AU grades.
Should I get my 1847 quarter professionally graded?
Professional grading is recommended for several situations: if your coin appears to be in AU or Mint State condition, if it is an 1847-O (regardless of grade), if you believe it may be a die variety such as the FS-801, or if you plan to sell the coin and want to maximize its value. Third-party grading by services like PCGS or NGC provides authentication, assigns an objective grade, and protects the coin in a tamper-evident holder. For common-date circulated examples in Good through VF condition, the grading fee may exceed the coin's value, making raw (uncertified) examples acceptable for type collections.
How can I tell if my 1847 quarter has been cleaned?
Cleaned coins typically display fine, parallel scratches called hairlines across the fields, most visible under angled lighting. These result from abrasive cleaning with brushes or cloths. Chemically dipped coins often appear dull, lifeless, and unnaturally uniform, lacking the vibrant luster of original surfaces. Another telltale sign is toning or dirt concentrated only in protected areas around letters and design elements, suggesting the exposed surfaces were stripped clean. Cleaning permanently damages a coin's surface and dramatically reduces its value—a cleaned XF coin may only be worth as much as an original Fine or VG example.
What is the difference between strike weakness and wear on an 1847-O?
Strike weakness occurs during the minting process when insufficient pressure or worn dies fail to fully bring up all design details. This is inherent to the coin and present even on uncirculated examples. The 1847-O is notorious for weak strikes, particularly on Liberty's head, the stars, and shield details. Wear, by contrast, occurs from circulation and affects the highest points of the design first. An 1847-O can have a weakly struck head but show sharp, unworn details elsewhere, proving it is uncirculated despite the flatness. Learning to distinguish between these two characteristics is essential for accurate grading and valuation of New Orleans quarters.
Are there any rare Proof 1847 quarters?
Yes, the 1847 Proof quarter is an extreme rarity. Only an estimated ten pieces were originally struck at the Philadelphia Mint for presentation purposes, with just seven to eight specimens believed to survive today. These coins feature deeply mirrored fields, sharp squared rims, and frosted devices. They rarely appear at auction, and when they do, they command prices ranging from $17,625 to $60,000 depending on grade and eye appeal. They are considered "trophy coins" for advanced specialists assembling comprehensive Proof sets of the era.
What should I look for when buying an 1847-O quarter?
Given the 1847-O's status as a key date, focus on originality and authenticity. Buy only problem-free coins with natural, original surfaces—avoid cleaned or damaged examples. Strike quality varies significantly; well-struck specimens with sharp stars and full head details command meaningful premiums over typical soft strikes. For high-grade examples, purchase only coins certified by PCGS or NGC to ensure authenticity and accurate grading. The 1847-O is a significant investment in any grade above VF, so take your time, compare multiple examples, and consult with experienced dealers or collectors before making a purchase.
How much silver is in an 1847 Seated Liberty Quarter?
Each 1847 Seated Liberty Quarter contains 0.1933 troy ounces of pure silver, based on its composition of 90% silver and 10% copper with a standard weight of 6.68 grams. At a silver spot price of $48.00 per troy ounce (as of October 30, 2025), the melt value is approximately $9.28. However, the numismatic value of any problem-free, collectible 1847 quarter significantly exceeds this intrinsic metal value. The melt value only becomes relevant for coins that are severely damaged or worn beyond recognition.
Research Methodology & Sources
This comprehensive guide is based on extensive research of authoritative numismatic sources, market data, and auction records. Pricing information is drawn from the NGC Coin Explorer price guide (October 2025), recent auction results from Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers, and Goldbergs, and active dealer listings. Historical and technical information comes from specialized references including the Seated Liberty quarter variety attributions documented by Larry Briggs and the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties.
Mintage figures and specifications are sourced from official U.S. Mint records and verified through multiple numismatic references. Population data for certified coins comes from PCGS and NGC census reports. Authentication and preservation guidance reflects industry best practices as recommended by professional numismatic organizations and conservation experts.
Silver melt values are calculated using the current spot price of silver as of October 30, 2025, from KITCO. Market values fluctuate based on precious metal prices, collector demand, and the overall economy. The values presented represent typical retail prices for problem-free, original coins in the stated grades. Actual prices realized may vary based on individual coin characteristics, strike quality, eye appeal, and market conditions at the time of sale.
Collectors are encouraged to consult current market prices before making purchases and to work with reputable dealers who are members of professional organizations such as the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) or the American Numismatic Association (ANA).
