1850 Seated Liberty Quarter Value: Price Guide & Varieties
1850 Seated Liberty Quarters are worth $65-$47,500 depending on mint and grade. Discover values for Philadelphia and New Orleans issues, plus rare proof specimens and die varieties.
The 1850 Seated Liberty Quarter is worth $65 to $47,500 depending on mint location, grade, and condition.
- 1850 Philadelphia (circulated): $65 – $1,500
- 1850 Philadelphia (uncirculated): $2,500 – $47,500
- 1850-O New Orleans (circulated): $120 – $2,000
- 1850-O New Orleans (uncirculated): $3,500 – $27,500
- 1850 Proof specimens: $17,626 – $460,000 (extremely rare, 2-3 known)
Values are driven by the California Gold Rush era hoarding that reduced surviving populations, particularly for circulated grades. The 1850-O is a condition rarity due to typically poor strike quality.
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Understanding the 1850 Seated Liberty Quarter
The 1850 Seated Liberty Quarter represents a pivotal moment in American numismatics, struck during an era when the California Gold Rush fundamentally altered the economics of U.S. silver coinage. This quarter belongs to the "No Motto, With Drapery" design type that characterized the series from 1840 to 1865. The influx of gold from California dramatically shifted the gold-to-silver price ratio, making silver coins worth more as bullion than their face value. This led to widespread hoarding, exportation, and melting of silver coins, creating the scarcity that defines this issue today.
The 1850 Seated Liberty Quarter features the No Motto, With Drapery design type
Struck at both the Philadelphia and New Orleans Mints, the 1850 quarter's market value far exceeds its original mintage numbers would suggest. The surviving population, particularly in circulated grades, is far smaller than the production figures indicate. The New Orleans issue presents additional challenges for collectors due to its typically poor strike quality, making well-struck examples a significant condition rarity that commands substantial premiums.
How to Identify Your 1850 Seated Liberty Quarter
All 1850 Seated Liberty Quarters share the same basic design, featuring Christian Gobrecht's seated Liberty figure on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. The key to identification lies in understanding the design type and determining which mint produced your coin.
Design Features and Type Identification
The 1850 quarter belongs to the "No Motto, With Drapery" design type (Type 2), which was introduced in 1840. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole topped with a Phrygian cap in her right hand, while her left hand rests on a Union shield inscribed with "LIBERTY." Thirteen stars encircle the upper periphery, with the date "1850" positioned below Liberty's figure.
The critical diagnostic feature for this type is the presence of an extra fold of drapery extending from Liberty's left elbow down towards her knee. This modification was made by Robert Ball Hughes in 1840 and distinguishes this type from the earlier "No Drapery" design of 1838-1840. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, clutching an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "QUAR. DOL." complete the design.
Mint Mark Location and Identification
The O mint mark appears on the reverse, centered below the eagle and above the denomination
The mint mark, when present, appears on the reverse of the coin. For Philadelphia Mint issues (1850), no mint mark is present—the area between the eagle's claws and the denomination remains blank. For New Orleans Mint issues (1850-O), a distinct "O" mint mark is located on the reverse, centered below the eagle and above the denomination "QUAR. DOL."
When examining your coin, use proper lighting and magnification to clearly see the mint mark area. The "O" should be well-formed and centered, though strike weakness may affect its clarity on some specimens. The presence or absence of a mint mark is the primary distinction between the two 1850 quarter issues and significantly impacts value.
1850 Seated Liberty Quarter Values by Grade and Mint
The market for 1850 Seated Liberty Quarters reflects the complex survival patterns created by the economic conditions of the era. Because coins were hoarded for their silver content soon after minting, a disproportionate number of high-grade uncirculated examples survived relative to well-circulated pieces. This creates an unusual value structure where the jump from circulated to mint state grades is particularly dramatic.
1850 Philadelphia Mint Quarter Values
The Philadelphia issue had a relatively modest mintage of 190,800 coins. These quarters are generally better struck than their New Orleans counterparts, with sharp details and well-defined design elements. While scarce in all grades, they are particularly coveted in mint state condition, where values escalate sharply as quality increases.
Wear progression from circulated Good-4 to Mint State MS-65 grade
| Grade | NGC Price Guide Value | NGC Population |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $65 | 0 |
| VG-8 | $125 | 0 |
| F-12 | $225 | 2 |
| VF-20 | $400 | 6 |
| EF-40 | $550 | 6 |
| AU-50 | $700 | 2 |
| AU-58 | $1,500 | 5 |
| MS-62 | $2,500 | 2 |
| MS-63 | $3,500 | 1 |
| MS-64 | $5,000 | 6 |
| MS-65 | $13,750 | 3 |
| MS-66 | $20,000 | 1 |
| MS-67 | $47,500 | 0 NGC / 1 PCGS |
The auction record for the Philadelphia issue stands at $38,188(Heritage, June 2014), achieved by an MS-67 specimen that represents the finest known example. This extraordinary price underscores the market's willingness to pay substantial premiums for superlative quality in this scarce issue.
1850-O New Orleans Mint Quarter Values
Despite a higher mintage of 412,000 pieces, the New Orleans issue is actually scarcer in practice than the Philadelphia coin. The port of New Orleans was a major hub for the export of silver bullion to Europe and Latin America, and it is believed that vast numbers of these coins were melted shortly after being struck. This resulted in a lower survival rate, especially for circulated examples.
The 1850-O is notorious for poor production quality. Most known examples are weakly struck, particularly on the stars and denticles, and often exhibit rough, grainy surfaces from the use of heavily rusted dies. A well-struck, problem-free 1850-O is a true condition rarity that commands a significant premium over typical examples.
| Grade | NGC Price Guide Value | NGC Population |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $120 | 1 |
| VG-8 | $185 | 4 |
| F-12 | $225 | 7 |
| VF-20 | $450 | 20 |
| EF-40 | $850 | 8 |
| AU-50 | $1,000 | 3 |
| AU-58 | $2,000 | 9 |
| MS-62 | $3,500 | 9 |
| MS-63 | $7,000 | 5 |
| MS-64 | $10,000 | 6 |
| MS-65 | $17,500 | 1 |
| MS-66 | $27,500 | 1 NGC / 0 PCGS |
Recent auction results confirm these values. An MS-66 example, the sole finest certified by either major grading service and pedigreed to the legendary Pittman collection, sold for $16,450(Heritage, January 2017). An MS-65 specimen realized $17,625(Stack's Bowers, February 2015), demonstrating strong market demand for high-grade examples of this condition rarity.
Grading Your 1850 Seated Liberty Quarter
Accurately grading a Seated Liberty Quarter requires careful examination of wear patterns and the ability to distinguish genuine circulation wear from weakness caused by a poor strike. This distinction is especially critical for 1850-O quarters, which are notorious for weak strikes even in mint state condition.
Key areas to examine when grading: Liberty's knee, hair, breast (obverse); eagle's neck and claws (reverse)
Obverse Wear Points
The highest points of the design on the obverse are the first areas to show friction from circulation. Liberty's knee is typically the first point to exhibit wear, followed by her hair above the ear and her left breast. The drapery folds on Liberty's arm and lap also show wear as circulation progresses. Perhaps most importantly for grading purposes, the letters in the word "LIBERTY" on the shield serve as critical diagnostic points.
Letter visibility on LIBERTY shield is critical for grading accuracy
In Good (G-4) grade, the coin shows heavy wear with the date visible but the design outline barely discernible. LIBERTY on the shield is typically completely worn away. In Very Good (VG-8), some letters in LIBERTY begin to emerge, though they remain weak. By Fine (F-12), at least three letters in LIBERTY should be visible, though they may be incomplete. In Very Fine (VF-20), at least three full letters are clear, and the gown line across Liberty's chest becomes visible. In Extremely Fine (EF-40), LIBERTY is bold with all letters showing, and only light wear is present on the highest design points.
Reverse Wear Points
On the reverse, wear first appears on the eagle's neck, its claws, and the tops of its wings. The shield on the eagle's breast also shows wear as the grade decreases. In higher circulated grades, the eagle's feathers remain distinct, though they may show flattening on the highest points. The arrows and olive branch in the eagle's talons are typically among the last details to wear away completely.
Strike vs. Wear Considerations
A critical challenge in grading 1850-O quarters is distinguishing between weak strike and genuine wear. Many New Orleans quarters were struck from heavily rusted dies or with insufficient striking pressure, resulting in weak details on the stars, denticles, and portions of Liberty's figure even on uncirculated specimens. True mint state coins will show no friction on the highest points and will retain original cartwheel luster, even if design elements are weakly struck.
1850-O quarters often show weak strikes; well-struck examples command premiums
When evaluating strike quality, examine the stars on the obverse and the eagle's feathers on the reverse. Sharp, fully-struck stars with clear radial lines and well-defined eagle feathers indicate a strong strike. Mushy stars with incomplete radial lines or flat feather details suggest a weak strike, which will affect the coin's desirability and market value even at the same numerical grade.
1850 Seated Liberty Quarter Die Varieties
Die varieties offer specialized collecting opportunities within the 1850 Seated Liberty Quarter series. These varieties result from errors or variations in the die manufacturing process and can add significant premiums to a coin's value, particularly when the variety is dramatic and easily attributable.
1850 Misplaced "1" in Rim (Briggs 1-A, FS-301)
This is the most popular and valuable die variety for the 1850 Philadelphia quarter. During the die preparation process, a numeral "1" punch was errantly struck on the die, resulting in the base of the "1" appearing on the finished coin's rim, positioned just below and to the left of the primary "1" in the date.
The Briggs 1-A (FS-301) variety shows base of '1' punch on rim below primary date
This variety requires a loupe or magnification to see clearly. Because the misplaced digit appears on the rim—a high-wear area—the variety is typically only visible on examples grading Very Fine (VF) or better. Lower grade examples may show traces but are difficult to attribute with certainty. The variety is listed in The Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties and is certified by NGC under its VarietyPlus service.
The variety carries a notable premium across all grades. An MS-64 example sold for $4,800(Stack's Bowers, March 2023), demonstrating strong collector demand. The following table provides estimated retail values:
| Grade | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| VG-8 | $65 – $90 |
| F-12 | $80 – $120 |
| VF-20 | $175 – $250 |
| EF-40 | $300 – $450 |
| AU-50 | $450 – $600 |
| MS-60 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
1850-O Die Marriages
Specialist research has identified three distinct die marriages for the 1850-O quarter, created from two obverse dies paired with three different reverse dies. These are cataloged by specialists using systems like that of Larry Briggs and are often noted in auction listings for high-grade specimens. The die marriages are designated as Briggs 1-B, 1-C, and 2-B.
While essential for attribution by advanced specialists who collect the series by die marriage, these varieties do not carry distinct or widely recognized premiums in the general market. No reliable public pricing data exists for these specific die marriages, and they are primarily of interest to specialists who seek to complete a comprehensive collection of all known die combinations.
1850 Seated Liberty Quarter Mint Errors
Major mint errors from the 1850s are exceptionally rare and highly prized by collectors. While no specific population data exists for individual 1850 quarter errors, values can be estimated based on sales of similar errors from the Seated Liberty quarter series and general error coin pricing principles.
Lamination Errors
Lamination errors occur when a piece of the planchet's surface flakes away due to impurities in the silver alloy or problems during the rolling process. Minor laminations are relatively common and may appear as small flakes or raised areas on the coin's surface. More dramatic laminations that expose underlying metal layers are scarcer and more valuable.
A circulated 1850-P quarter with a lamination error was recently offered for sale at $204.99. Depending on the severity and location of the lamination, this type of error could add a premium of $50 to $250 to the coin's base value. Larger laminations that affect significant portions of the design or extend to the rim command higher premiums.
Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes happen when the planchet is not centered correctly between the dies during the striking process. The value of an off-center strike increases dramatically with the percentage the coin is off-center, especially if the date and mint mark remain visible. A 5-10% off-center strike represents a minor error, while strikes 20% or more off-center are considered major errors.
No specific 1850 examples with documented values were found, but a comparable 1853 Seated Quarter in VF-30 grade, struck 5% off-center, is valued at $2,600. Based on this precedent, a similar 5-10% off-center 1850 quarter in circulated grade could be valued in the $1,500 to $4,000 range. A more dramatic off-center strike of 20-50%, with the date still visible, could be worth $5,000 or more, depending on eye appeal and the specific characteristics of the error.
Die Cuds and Die Cracks
Die cracks appear as fine raised lines on the coin's surface, resulting from cracks in the die. These are relatively common and typically add little value unless they are particularly dramatic. A die cud, however, is a more significant retained die break that appears as a raised lump of metal on the coin's surface, often at the rim. Cuds result from a piece of the die breaking away, allowing metal to flow into the void.
While no specific 1850 examples with established values were found, a noticeable die cud could add a premium of $75 to $300 or more, depending on its size, location, and visual impact. Cuds affecting the date area or major design elements are particularly desirable.
The Legendary 1850 Proof Seated Liberty Quarter
The 1850 Proof Seated Liberty Quarter stands as one of the most legendary rarities in American numismatics. These coins were not part of a regular proof production program but were special presentation pieces struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Their exact mintage is unknown, but numismatic research has confirmed that only two or three examples have survived to the present day, making them exceedingly rare.
These proof specimens are characterized by deeply mirrored fields, frosted devices, and a sharp, full strike that showcases every detail of Christian Gobrecht's design. The contrast between the mirrored fields and frosted design elements creates a cameo effect that is visually stunning and immediately distinguishes these coins from business strikes.
Valuations for 1850 proof quarters are determined exclusively by their infrequent appearances at major auctions, where they command prices in the six-figure range. The market for these ultra-rarities is driven by wealthy collectors and institutions seeking to own one of the finest examples of mid-19th century American coinage.
| Grade | Auction House | Date | Price Realized |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR-62 | Heritage | August 2016 | $17,626 |
| PR-65 | Heritage | October 2015 | $61,688 |
| PR-67 | Heritage | June 2014 | $223,250 |
| Proof (grade not specified) | Not specified | January 2008 | $460,000 |
The January 2008 sale at $460,000 represents the highest known public price for an 1850 proof quarter and demonstrates the immense market potential for this ultra-rarity. Given the extreme scarcity of these coins, each appearance at auction represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of numismatic history.
Authentication and Counterfeit Detection
Given the significant value of 1850 Seated Liberty Quarters, particularly in higher grades and for rare varieties, authentication is paramount for collectors and investors. Counterfeiters have targeted these coins due to their scarcity and market value, making it essential to understand the types of fakes that exist and how to detect them.
The first step in authentication is to verify the coin's physical specifications. A genuine 1850 quarter should weigh approximately 6.68 grams and have a diameter of 24.3 mm. Significant deviations from these specifications are a major red flag. Use a precision scale and caliper to take measurements, comparing them to known genuine examples.
Cast counterfeits are among the most common fakes encountered. These are typically made of base metals and can be identified by several telltale characteristics. The surface texture often appears soapy or grainy rather than showing the crisp strike of a genuine coin. Details appear soft or indistinct, particularly in areas like Liberty's hair, the stars, and the eagle's feathers. Cast fakes often exhibit a visible seam along the edge where the two halves of the mold joined. They will not produce the high-pitched ring of a genuine silver coin when tapped against a hard surface.
Altered mint marks represent another common type of forgery. Because the New Orleans issue typically commands a premium over Philadelphia coins in lower grades, counterfeiters sometimes add an "O" mint mark to more common Philadelphia issues. Examine the area around the mint mark carefully for signs of discoloration, tool marks, or an unnatural appearance. The font, size, and position of the "O" should match known genuine examples. Any disturbance to the surface around the mint mark suggests alteration.
Transfer die fakes are more sophisticated counterfeits made from dies created from a genuine host coin. While these will replicate the design more accurately than cast fakes, they still exhibit characteristic flaws. Look for repeating depressions that correspond to marks on the host coin used to create the die, weak overall details, and unusual luster that doesn't match genuine silver coins of the period.
Harsh cleaning creates fine parallel hairlines and unnatural appearance
Beyond detecting counterfeits, collectors must also identify cleaned, damaged, or problem coins that trade at substantial discounts. Harshly cleaned coins will exhibit fine, parallel scratches called hairlines across their surfaces, visible under magnification. They may appear unnaturally bright or have a dull, lifeless patina that lacks the original luster and natural toning of an unmolested coin. Avoid such coins, as the damage is irreversible and severely impacts value.
Other forms of damage to watch for include scratches, rim bumps, corrosion, evidence of tooling (where details have been smoothed over or re-engraved), and holes. A holed coin, while authentic, has minimal numismatic value compared to an intact specimen. Problem coins typically trade at 50% or more below the value of problem-free coins of the same grade and should be avoided by serious collectors.
Proper Care and Preservation
Proper storage and handling are essential to protect the value of your 1850 Seated Liberty Quarter. Silver coins are particularly susceptible to environmental damage, and mishandling can cause irreversible harm that significantly reduces value.
Certified coins that have been graded and encapsulated by professional services like NGC or PCGS should remain in their holders. These "slabs" are made of inert plastic that protects the coin from environmental contaminants and physical damage. Never attempt to remove a coin from its certified holder, as this will void the guarantee and may damage the coin.
Raw (uncertified) coins should be stored in archival-quality holders that are free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC-containing holders can cause green film or corrosion on silver coins over time. Use holders made from inert materials like Mylar or specialized coin flips designed for long-term storage. Individual capsules made from inert acrylic are excellent for higher-value coins, providing rigid protection while allowing both sides to be viewed.
Store your collection in a cool, dry place with stable temperature and humidity. Fluctuations in environmental conditions can accelerate toning and, in extreme cases, cause corrosion. Avoid storing coins in basements, attics, or other areas where temperature and humidity vary significantly. A home safe or safe deposit box in a climate-controlled environment provides optimal storage conditions.
When handling coins, always hold them by the edges and never touch the obverse or reverse surfaces. Oils and acids from your skin can cause spotting and discoloration over time. Ideally, wear cotton gloves when handling valuable coins. Handle coins over a soft surface to prevent damage if dropped.
Never clean your coins. Even gentle cleaning can create microscopic scratches that are visible under magnification and significantly reduce value. Natural toning that develops over decades is considered desirable by many collectors and should be preserved. If you believe a coin requires conservation, consult a professional conservation service rather than attempting any cleaning yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my 1850 Seated Liberty Quarter worth?
The value of an 1850 Seated Liberty Quarter depends on the mint location, grade, and condition. Philadelphia issue quarters range from $65 in Good condition to $47,500 in MS-67 grade. New Orleans (1850-O) quarters are worth $120 in Good condition up to $27,500 in MS-66. Proof specimens are extremely rare (2-3 known) and have sold for $17,626 to $460,000 at auction. Strike quality significantly affects value for 1850-O coins, with well-struck examples commanding substantial premiums.
How do I identify the mint mark on an 1850 quarter?
The mint mark, when present, appears on the reverse of the coin. Philadelphia Mint issues (1850) have no mint mark—the area below the eagle and above the denomination is blank. New Orleans Mint issues (1850-O) have a distinct "O" mint mark located on the reverse, centered below the eagle and above "QUAR. DOL." Use proper lighting and magnification to clearly see the mint mark area, as some 1850-O quarters have weak strikes that affect mint mark clarity.
What is the Misplaced "1" variety and how much is it worth?
The 1850 Misplaced "1" variety (Briggs 1-A, FS-301) shows the base of a "1" digit punched into the rim below and to the left of the primary date. This occurred during die preparation when a numeral punch was errantly struck on the die. The variety is visible on coins grading Very Fine or better and requires magnification to see clearly. Values range from $65-$90 in VG-8 to $1,200-$1,800 in MS-60, with an MS-64 example selling for $4,800 in March 2023.
Why are 1850-O quarters considered condition rarities?
Despite a higher mintage of 412,000 compared to Philadelphia's 190,800, the 1850-O is actually scarcer in practice. New Orleans was a major port for silver bullion export, and vast numbers of coins were melted shortly after striking. Additionally, 1850-O quarters are notorious for poor production quality, with most examples showing weak strikes from heavily rusted dies, particularly on stars and denticles. Well-struck examples with sharp details are true condition rarities commanding significant premiums.
Should I get my 1850 quarter professionally graded?
Professional grading is recommended for coins that appear to be in Extremely Fine or better condition, or for any coin showing a die variety. The certification from NGC or PCGS provides authentication, grade verification, and protection from environmental damage. The cost of grading (typically $30-$100+ depending on service level and declared value) is justified when the coin's value exceeds several hundred dollars. For heavily circulated common examples, the grading cost may exceed the coin's market value.
What is the silver content and melt value of an 1850 quarter?
The 1850 Seated Liberty Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with an actual silver weight (ASW) of 0.1933 troy ounces. With silver at approximately $49.00 per troy ounce, the melt value is about $9.47. However, this calculation has no practical relevance for collectible-grade specimens, as the numismatic value of any problem-free 1850 quarter significantly exceeds its melt value due to historical significance and collector demand.
How can I tell if my 1850 quarter has been cleaned?
Harshly cleaned coins exhibit fine, parallel scratches (hairlines) across their surfaces, visible under magnification. They may appear unnaturally bright or have a dull, lifeless patina lacking the original luster and natural toning of an unmolested coin. Avoid cleaned coins, as the damage is irreversible and severely impacts value. Proper conservation by professionals can sometimes improve appearance without creating the damage associated with harsh cleaning, but any intervention should be disclosed.
What makes the 1850 proof quarter so valuable?
The 1850 Proof Seated Liberty Quarter is an ultra-rarity with only 2-3 examples confirmed to exist. These were special presentation pieces, not part of regular proof production. They feature deeply mirrored fields, frosted devices, and sharp strikes creating stunning cameo contrast. Values are determined exclusively by rare auction appearances, with specimens selling from $17,626 (PR-62) to $460,000. Their extreme scarcity and historical significance make them highly sought after by wealthy collectors and institutions.
Are there common counterfeits of 1850 quarters I should watch for?
Common counterfeits include cast fakes (identified by soapy texture, soft details, edge seams, and wrong weight/sound), altered mint marks (adding "O" to Philadelphia coins, detected by examining mint mark area for tooling or unnatural appearance), and transfer die fakes (made from dies created from genuine coins, showing repeating depressions and unusual luster). Always verify weight (6.68 grams) and diameter (24.3 mm). When purchasing valuable specimens, buy from reputable dealers or insist on third-party certification from NGC or PCGS.
What are the key grading diagnostics for Seated Liberty Quarters?
On the obverse, examine Liberty's knee, hair above her ear, and left breast—these are the first areas to show wear. The letters in "LIBERTY" on the shield are critical grading points: none visible in Good, partial letters in Fine, at least three letters in Very Fine, and all letters bold in Extremely Fine. On the reverse, check the eagle's neck, claws, and wing tops for wear. For 1850-O coins, distinguish between weak strike (from rusted dies) and genuine wear, as mint state coins can show weak details while retaining original luster.
Research Methodology and Sources
The values and information presented in this guide are derived from multiple authoritative sources in the numismatic community. Price data comes primarily from the NGC Price Guide (October 2025) and PCGS CoinFacts, supplemented by recent auction results from Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers Galleries spanning 2014-2025. Population data reflects certified submissions to NGC and PCGS as of October 2025.
Technical specifications and die variety information are sourced from specialized references including The Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties, the Briggs die marriage cataloging system, and the research compiled by the Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC). Auction records are cited with specific dates, venues, and prices realized to provide transparency and allow readers to verify historical sales.
It is important to note that coin values fluctuate based on market conditions, precious metal prices, and changing collector preferences. The values presented represent retail estimates for problem-free coins in the grades indicated. Actual selling prices may vary based on eye appeal, strike quality, originality, and market timing. Coins with problems such as cleaning, damage, or environmental issues will trade at substantial discounts. For the most current market information, consult recent auction results and dealer price lists.
Recent Auction Results
The following table documents significant auction appearances of 1850 Seated Liberty Quarters, providing collectors with real-world pricing data from major numismatic auctions. These results reflect actual market values achieved for coins in various grades and conditions.
| Issue | Grade/Details | Auction House | Date | Price Realized |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1850-P | MS-67 | Heritage | June 2014 | $38,188 |
| 1850-P (Variety) | MS-64, Misplaced "1" | Stack's Bowers | March 2023 | $4,800 |
| 1850-O | MS-65 | Stack's Bowers | February 2015 | $17,625 |
| 1850-O | MS-66, Pittman pedigree | Heritage | January 2017 | $16,450 |
| 1850-P Proof | PR-62 | Heritage | August 2016 | $17,626 |
| 1850-P Proof | PR-65 | Heritage | October 2015 | $61,688 |
| 1850-P Proof | PR-67 | Heritage | June 2014 | $223,250 |
| 1850-P Proof | Grade not specified | Not specified | January 2008 | $460,000 |
These results demonstrate the strong market demand for high-grade examples and rare varieties of 1850 Seated Liberty Quarters. The extreme rarity of proof specimens is reflected in six-figure prices, while even business strike examples in superb gem condition command five-figure sums. Well-documented die varieties like the Misplaced "1" carry significant premiums over regular issues in comparable grades.
