1870 Seated Liberty Quarter Value Guide (1870-CC Worth $285K+)
1870 Seated Liberty Quarter values: Philadelphia $110-$12,500, Carson City $12,500-$285,000+, Proofs $800-$10,000+. Includes die varieties, authentication, and grading guide.
The 1870 Seated Liberty Quarter is worth $110 to $285,000+ depending on mint mark, condition, and strike type.
- 1870 Philadelphia (no mint mark): $110 (G-4) to $12,500 (MS-66)
- 1870-CC Carson City: $12,500 (G-4) to $285,000+ (AU-55)
- 1870 Proofs: $800 (PR-62) to $10,000+ (PR-66 DCAM)
The 1870-CC is the first quarter struck at Carson City and ranks among the series' ultimate key dates with only 45-85 survivors known.
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1870 Seated Liberty Quarter: A Year of Extremes
The 1870 Seated Liberty Quarter features Liberty seated on a rock holding a shield, with a distinctive reverse eagle design.
The year 1870 presents a remarkable dichotomy in the Seated Liberty Quarter series. The Philadelphia Mint produced 86,400 business strikes—a moderately scarce but attainable 19th-century type coin for collectors. Simultaneously, the newly-opened Carson City Mint struck its first-ever quarter dollar, the legendary 1870-CC, with a microscopic mintage of just 8,340 pieces. Only 45 to 85 examples survive today, making it one of American numismatics' ultimate trophy coins. Philadelphia also struck 1,000 Proof specimens for collectors, available in brilliant, cameo, and deep cameo finishes. This guide provides comprehensive market valuations across all grades and strike types, with special focus on authentication and die variety diagnostics critical for verifying genuine examples.
How to Identify Your 1870 Seated Liberty Quarter
Philadelphia issues have no mint mark; Carson City issues display 'CC' below the eagle's tail feathers.
Proper identification begins with understanding the design elements and mint mark placement. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, draped in flowing robes, holding a shield inscribed with vertical stripes. Her right hand supports a staff topped with a liberty cap. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears on a banner above her head, with thirteen stars around the border and the date 1870 below. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with wings spread, clutching arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right. The inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arcs around the top, with the denomination "QUAR. DOL." below the eagle.
Mint Mark Locations: Philadelphia issues bear no mint mark—the area on the reverse below the eagle and above "QUAR. DOL." is blank. Carson City issues feature a prominent "CC" mint mark in this same location, positioned below the eagle's tail feathers. This distinction is fundamental, as the presence or absence of the CC mint mark represents a value difference of tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Business Strike vs. Proof Distinction: Business strikes intended for circulation have a softer, satiny luster and may show mint-made imperfections like die polishing lines or minor striking weakness. Proof strikes, specially made for collectors, exhibit deeply mirrored fields with sharp, squared rims and exceptional detail throughout the design. Many Proof 1870 quarters display cameo contrast, where the raised design elements show frosting against mirror-like backgrounds—a highly desirable characteristic commanding significant premiums.
1870 Seated Liberty Quarter Value Guide by Issue
The 1870 quarter market divides into three distinct segments, each with its own value dynamics. The Philadelphia business strike serves as an accessible classic-era type coin, the Carson City issue ranks among the series' legendary rarities, and Proofs cater to collectors seeking pristine, original specimens with superior eye appeal.
1870 Philadelphia Business Strike (No Mint Mark)
With a mintage of 86,400 pieces, the Philadelphia issue is moderately scarce in circulated grades through Fine, becoming significantly rarer in Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated. Only an estimated 50 Mint State examples survive across all uncirculated grades, with perhaps just 10 known in Gem condition (MS-65 and higher). The total surviving population is estimated around 500 coins.
| Grade | PCGS Price (Oct 2025) | NGC Price (Nov 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $110 | $110 |
| VF-20 | $350 | $415 |
| EF-40 | $650 | $600 |
| AU-50 | $850 | $725 |
| MS-62 | $2,350 | $2,000 |
| MS-63 | $3,750 | $3,000 |
| MS-64 | $6,000 | $5,450 |
| MS-65 | $9,500 | $8,000 |
| MS-66 | $12,500 | $10,000 |
Values sourced from PCGS CoinFacts and NGC Coin Explorer.
The 1870-CC is the first quarter struck at Carson City—an icon of Western numismatics with only 45-85 survivors known.
1870-CC Carson City Business Strike
The 1870-CC quarter stands as a numismatic icon—the first quarter dollar struck at the Carson City Mint, embodying the history of the American West and the Comstock Lode silver discovery. With a microscopic original mintage of just 8,340 pieces and an estimated survival of only 45 to 85 coins in all conditions, this issue represents one of the series' ultimate trophy coins. Only a single Mint State specimen exists: the legendary Eliasberg coin graded MS-64 by NGC, which would command multi-million dollar valuations if offered at auction.
Market values exhibit dramatic tier jumps based on condition. Lower circulated grades trade in five figures, while the transition to About Uncirculated marks an exponential leap into six-figure territory, driven by extreme scarcity. An AU-55 example realized $188,000 at a 2015 Heritage auction, underscoring its status as a landmark rarity.
| Grade | PCGS Price (Oct 2025) | NGC Price (Sep 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $12,500 | $17,500 |
| VG-8 | $20,000 | $23,000 |
| F-12 | $27,500 | $27,500 |
| VF-20 | $32,500 | $40,000 |
| EF-40 | $75,000 | $70,000 |
| AU-50 | $200,000 | $150,000 |
| AU-53 | $235,000 | $195,000 |
| AU-55 | $285,000 | $250,000 |
Values sourced from PCGS CoinFacts and NGC Coin Explorer.
1870 Philadelphia Proof Strikes
The Philadelphia Mint struck 1,000 Proof quarters in 1870 for sale to collectors, making this one of the more available dates in the Proof Seated Liberty Quarter series. Approximately 600 examples survive today. Value depends heavily on technical grade and visual characteristics, particularly the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields.
| Grade | Brilliant | Cameo (CAM) | Deep Cameo (DCAM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR-62 | $800 | $1,000-$1,300 | $2,000+ |
| PR-63 | $1,050 | $1,500-$1,800 | $3,000-$4,000 |
| PR-64 | $1,325 | $2,000-$2,500 | $4,500-$6,000 |
| PR-65 | $2,250 | $3,500-$4,500 | $6,000-$8,000 |
| PR-66 | $4,750 | $6,000-$7,500 | $10,000+ |
Values represent composite estimates from PCGS and NGC price guides and recent auction data. Up to half of surviving 1870 Proofs may exhibit some cameo contrast, though many were certified before this designation was widely used.
💎 The Mystery of the 1870-S Quarter
Official mint records show no quarters were struck at San Francisco in 1870, yet historical accounts suggest a small number of coins were placed in the cornerstone of the new San Francisco Mint building on May 25, 1870. Other denominations from this mysterious cornerstone issue are known: the unique 1870-S Half Dime, unique 1870-S Three-Dollar Gold, and approximately twelve 1870-S Dollars (valued at $1 million+ each). No 1870-S quarter has ever been discovered. If a genuine specimen were authenticated, it would instantly become one of the most valuable U.S. coins, likely commanding seven figures at auction.
Grading Your 1870 Seated Liberty Quarter
Grade comparison illustrating how wear progression affects value: G-4 shows heavy wear, VF-20 moderate detail, MS-65 full mint luster.
Accurate grading is essential for proper valuation of these 19th-century silver coins. The Sheldon 1-70 scale, as standardized by PCGS and NGC, provides the framework for assessing technical condition. Understanding where and how circulation wear develops—and distinguishing it from strike characteristics—forms the foundation of numismatic grading.
Primary wear points: Liberty's knee, breast, and head on obverse; eagle's head, wing tops, and claws on reverse.
Circulated Grades (G-4 through AU-58): Wear first appears on the highest relief points. On the obverse, examine Liberty's knee, her right breast, and the top of her head—these areas show flattening first. The shield's vertical stripes become indistinct with moderate wear. On the reverse, the eagle's head, the tops of its wings, and the tips of its claws are the primary wear indicators. At Good-4, only the basic outlines remain visible with significant detail loss. Very Fine examples (VF-20) show moderate wear but retain clear separation in Liberty's gown lines and the shield's stripes. About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58) specimens display only slight friction on the highest points, with most original mint luster intact in protected areas.
Mint State Grades (MS-60 through MS-70): Uncirculated coins show no wear whatsoever, though they may exhibit varying degrees of contact marks from bag handling, differences in strike sharpness, and surface quality. MS-60/62 coins have numerous marks and may show subdued luster. MS-63 examples display fewer marks with better overall eye appeal. MS-64/65 specimens feature strong luster, minimal marks, and excellent strike. Gem grades (MS-65+) are exceptionally rare for 1870 quarters and command substantial premiums.
Understanding the difference between weak strike characteristics and actual circulation wear is crucial for accurate grading.
Strike Quality vs. Circulation Wear: A critical distinction for collectors is recognizing weak strike characteristics versus circulation wear. Some 1870 Philadelphia quarters show softness on the obverse stars due to die state—this is a production characteristic, not wear. Similarly, weakness in the word LIBERTY or on certain design elements may result from insufficient striking pressure rather than circulation. Weak strikes have a soft, indistinct appearance but retain lustrous, original surfaces. Circulation wear creates flat, worn-down areas with dull, non-lustrous surfaces. This distinction significantly impacts grade assignment and value.
Proof Grades (PR-60 through PR-70): Proof coins are evaluated primarily on surface preservation. Hairlines from cleaning or improper handling are the most common detractions. PR-60/62 Proofs show numerous hairlines but retain reflective fields. PR-63/64 examples have fewer hairlines and better contrast. PR-65+ specimens display exceptional surfaces with minimal imperfections. The presence of Cameo (CAM) or Deep Cameo (DCAM) contrast—where frosted design elements stand out against deeply mirrored fields—adds substantial premiums at all grade levels.
Die Varieties and Die Marriages
All 1870-P business strikes show characteristic die rust on Liberty's figure and heavy polishing lines—critical authentication features.
Unlike many Seated Liberty Quarter dates with numerous die pairings, the 1870 issues are remarkably simple from a die variety perspective—a characteristic that proves invaluable for authentication purposes. The definitive reference for this series is Larry Briggs' The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of United States Liberty Seated Quarters, which assigns letter designations to each unique die marriage.
Briggs 1-A: The Only 1870-CC Die Pair
Every single one of the 8,340 quarters struck at Carson City in 1870 came from a single obverse die paired with a single reverse die, cataloged as Briggs 1-A. This sole die marriage serves as the authentication baseline for all purported 1870-CC quarters. Known diagnostics include a minor scrape on the letter 'E' in the word "WE" within the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST." Any coin bearing a CC mint mark that does not match the precise die characteristics of Briggs 1-A is, by definition, a counterfeit or altered coin. Given the extreme value of genuine 1870-CC quarters, authentication by a reputable third-party grading service is absolutely essential before purchase.
1870 Philadelphia: Single Die Pair with Distinctive Characteristics
All 86,400 business strikes from the Philadelphia Mint were produced from a single die pair that developed extensive rust before and during its use. This rust manifests as roughness on Liberty's figure and within the vertical stripes of the shield on the obverse. To combat this deterioration, mint personnel heavily polished the die faces, which created fine, raised die polishing lines visible on struck coins. These characteristics are not flaws but rather diagnostic features inherent to this issue. The presence of die rust and associated polishing lines is actually a positive authentication indicator. Any purported 1870 Philadelphia quarter lacking these features should be considered suspect and requires expert examination for altered dates or counterfeits. This production anomaly transforms what might seem like imperfections into critical authentication tools for collectors and dealers.
Mint Errors on 1870 Quarters
While no major cataloged die varieties like doubled dies or overdates are known for 1870 quarters, striking errors do occur and command significant collector interest. The value of mint errors depends on the error type, severity, and importantly, the host coin's base value.
Off-Center Strikes
Off-center errors occur when the planchet is improperly positioned in the collar during striking, resulting in part of the design missing. For an 1870 Philadelphia quarter, an off-center strike of 10-20% with the full date visible typically values in the $300-$700 range, depending on grade and aesthetic appeal. However, an off-center strike on an 1870-CC quarter would be extraordinary. Given the base value of the host coin, even a minor 5-10% misalignment would likely command five figures, with more dramatic errors potentially reaching much higher valuations. No confirmed examples are currently documented.
Wrong Planchet Errors
Wrong planchet errors—where a coin is struck on a blank intended for a different denomination—represent some of numismatics' most dramatic and valuable mistakes. A compelling precedent exists in a related series: an 1871-75-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar mistakenly struck on a quarter dollar planchet sold at auction for $51,754 in AU-50 grade (CoinNews, 2019). An 1870 Philadelphia quarter struck on a dime or nickel planchet would similarly be significant, potentially valued at $10,000-$25,000 depending on grade. An 1870-CC on a wrong planchet would be an extraordinary rarity likely commanding $50,000 or more, combining the base rarity of the host coin with the error premium.
🔍 Error Authentication
Mint errors must be authenticated by reputable third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC to verify genuineness and eliminate post-mint damage or alterations. The market for high-value errors depends entirely on certified authentication.
Authentication and Counterfeit Detection
Detecting added mint marks: look for halos, adhesive residue, incorrect positioning, or a 'stuck on' appearance.
Given the substantial value difference between Philadelphia and Carson City issues—and the extreme value of the 1870-CC specifically—authentication represents a critical concern for collectors. The most prevalent type of forgery is the added mint mark, where counterfeiters take a common 1870 Philadelphia quarter and add a CC mint mark to create a far more valuable piece. Telltale signs include a halo of discoloration or adhesive residue around the mint mark, tool marks from engraving, incorrect mint mark style or positioning relative to genuine examples, and a mint mark that appears "stuck on" rather than integral to the coin's surface. The definitive test remains precise comparison to the diagnostics of the known Briggs 1-A die pair—any deviation confirms a non-genuine piece.
Beyond added mint marks, collectors must be vigilant for two main counterfeit types. Cast counterfeits are made from molds of genuine coins and typically exhibit a soapy or greasy luster, weak or blurry details throughout the design, and often a visible seam running along the coin's edge. Struck counterfeits, produced using illegally-made dies, are more deceptive but can often be identified through incorrect weight (genuine 1870 quarters weigh approximately 6.22 grams), non-standard metallurgical composition detectable through specific gravity testing or X-ray fluorescence analysis, and incorrect die characteristics when compared to documented genuine examples. Any significant deviation from the standard weight of 6.22 grams serves as an immediate red flag requiring further investigation.
For high-value purchases, especially any 1870-CC quarter or high-grade Philadelphia issues, acquisition should be limited exclusively to coins certified by PCGS or NGC. These third-party grading services provide expert authentication, encapsulation in tamper-evident holders, and guarantee the coin's genuineness. While certification adds cost, it provides essential protection in a market where sophisticated counterfeits increasingly circulate. For investment-grade pieces, the authentication guarantee alone justifies the certification premium.
Proper Preservation and Care
Preserving the condition and value of 19th-century silver coins requires proper handling and storage practices. The most important rule is to never clean your coins. Harsh or abrasive cleaning strips away the protective patina that naturally forms on silver over time, leaves behind irreversible scratches (hairlines), and destroys the coin's original mint luster. Even "gentle" cleaning reduces a coin's value by 50% to 80% or more compared to an uncleaned specimen with the same level of detail. Professional numismatists and grading services can immediately identify cleaned coins, which receive "Details" grades indicating the impairment.
For storage, coins should be housed in inert, archival-quality holders that prevent environmental damage. High-value pieces benefit most from professional encapsulation by PCGS or NGC, which provides museum-quality protection in sonically-sealed, tamper-evident holders. For coins stored in individual holders, avoid soft plastic flips containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as this chemical leaches out over time causing green, sticky residue that permanently damages silver surfaces. Instead, use Mylar flips, rigid plastic capsules, or acid-free cardboard holders specifically designed for coin storage.
The storage environment matters significantly for long-term preservation. Maintain stable, low-humidity conditions—ideally below 50% relative humidity—to prevent tarnishing and corrosion. Avoid areas with temperature fluctuations, direct sunlight, or exposure to chemicals. When handling coins, hold them by the edges only, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces with bare fingers. Skin oils contain acids and salts that etch into silver over time, creating permanent fingerprint marks that reduce grade and value. For high-grade specimens, wear cotton or nitrile gloves during any necessary handling. These simple practices protect your numismatic investments for future generations while maintaining their full collector value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my 1870 Seated Liberty Quarter worth?
Value depends critically on mint mark and condition. A common 1870 Philadelphia quarter ranges from $110 in Good-4 to $12,500 in MS-66. The rare 1870-CC Carson City issue commands $12,500 in Good-4, escalating to $285,000+ in AU-55. Proof strikes range from $800 to $10,000+ depending on grade and cameo designation. Authentication by PCGS or NGC is essential for accurate valuation, especially for high-grade or Carson City examples.
How do I identify the mint mark on an 1870 quarter?
Check the reverse below the eagle and above the denomination "QUAR. DOL." Philadelphia issues have no mint mark—this area is blank. Carson City issues display a prominent "CC" mint mark in this location. The presence of CC versus no mint mark represents a value difference of tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, making proper identification critical.
What makes the 1870-CC quarter so valuable?
The 1870-CC is the first quarter dollar ever struck at the Carson City Mint, making it a significant Western numismatic landmark. With only 8,340 originally minted and an estimated survival of just 45-85 coins across all grades, it ranks among the series' ultimate rarities. Only one Mint State specimen exists. This combination of historical significance and extreme scarcity drives six-figure valuations even in lower circulated grades.
How can I tell if my 1870-CC quarter is genuine?
All genuine 1870-CC quarters were struck from a single die pair (Briggs 1-A) with specific diagnostics including a minor scrape on the 'E' in "WE" in the motto. Added mint mark counterfeits are common—look for discoloration halos, incorrect positioning, or a "stuck on" appearance. Genuine coins weigh 6.22 grams. Given values exceeding $12,500 even in low grades, purchase only certified examples from PCGS or NGC with guaranteed authentication.
What are the die rust marks on 1870 Philadelphia quarters?
All 86,400 Philadelphia business strikes were made from a single die pair that developed extensive rust during production. This appears as roughness on Liberty's figure and shield stripes. Mint workers heavily polished the dies to combat this, creating fine raised lines in the fields of struck coins. These characteristics are authentication features—their presence confirms genuineness, while their absence suggests a counterfeit or altered coin.
Should I have my 1870 quarter professionally graded?
For any 1870-CC quarter or high-grade Philadelphia examples (XF and above), professional certification by PCGS or NGC is essential. Third-party grading provides expert authentication, accurate grade assignment, and encapsulation in tamper-evident holders that protect the coin while maximizing market liquidity and resale value. Certification costs are modest compared to the protection and market acceptance gained. Lower-grade common Philadelphia issues may not warrant certification costs unless needed for insurance or estate documentation.
Research Methodology and Price Sources
Values presented in this guide are derived from multiple authoritative sources to provide accurate, current market assessments. Primary references include PCGS CoinFacts (October 2025 pricing), NGC Coin Explorer (September-November 2023 pricing), and verified auction results from major numismatic firms including Stack's Bowers and Heritage Auctions. Die variety information follows Larry Briggs' Comprehensive Encyclopedia of United States Liberty Seated Quarters, the definitive reference for this series.
All prices represent retail estimates for problem-free, certified coins and are subject to market fluctuations based on precious metal values, collector demand, and individual coin characteristics. Actual transaction prices vary based on eye appeal, pedigree, and market conditions at time of sale. Coins with problems such as cleaning, damage, or alterations trade at substantial discounts to listed values. This guide was compiled in November 2025 and reflects market conditions current to that date.
