Price Guide for 1868 Quarter Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1868 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.
1868 Quarter (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.75 - $1,527.50Uncirculated: $633.00 - $69,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $193.60 - $1,075.00Uncirculated: $1,301.90 - $2,799.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 - $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 - $55,000.00
1868-S Quarter (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.05 - $3,600.00Uncirculated: $37.50 - $82,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.00 - $3,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 - $5,500.00Uncirculated: $6,000.00 - $100,000.00
1868 Quarter, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $518.00 - $47,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 - $40,000.00
1868 Quarter, DCAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,642.50 - $17,250.00
1868 Quarter (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $362.00 - $690.00Uncirculated: $2.65 - $17,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $600.00Uncirculated: $510.00 - $5,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 - $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 - $12,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1868 Quarter
The 1868 Seated Liberty Quarter is part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1838 and continued until 1891. This coin was minted during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, a time of significant economic and social change in the United States. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the nation's stability and endurance through challenging times.
| Weight | 6.22 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | S (San Francisco), No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) |
| 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 an 1868 Quarter significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. Due to the coin's age and low mintage, high-grade examples are extremely rare and command substantial premiums. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are particularly valuable, with those grading MS65 or higher being exceptionally scarce.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many coins from this era suffer from weak strikes. Well-struck examples with full details are highly prized. Original luster is also crucial, with coins retaining their mint luster being more valuable. Toning can add to the coin's appeal if it's attractive and natural.
Mintage: 29,400
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 96,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Provenance can play a role in the value of 1868 Quarters, especially for high-grade examples. Coins with a known history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections can command higher premiums.
The presence of any die varieties, while not common for this year, could potentially increase value if discovered. Collectors also pay attention to the quality of the coin's surfaces, preferring examples free from significant marks or abrasions.
Given the historical significance of the Reconstruction era, these coins hold particular interest for collectors of 19th-century American coinage, potentially driving up demand and value for well-preserved specimens.
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