1878 Quarter Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1878 Quarter Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1878 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.

1878 Quarter (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $28.00 - $750.00

  Uncirculated: $127.00 - $7,200.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $22.00 - $342.73

  Uncirculated: $225.38 - $1,612.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $20.00 - $375.00

  Uncirculated: $400.00 - $8,500.00

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1878-CC Quarter (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $40.00 - $1,020.00

  Uncirculated: $2.50 - $24,000.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $20.00 - $850.00

  Uncirculated: $730.00 - $6,830.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $50.00 - $1,100.00

  Uncirculated: $1,150.00 - $30,000.00

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1878 Quarter, PL (Regular Strike)

• eBay

  Circulated: $48.19

  Uncirculated: $101.71 - $700.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $1,000.00

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1878-CC Quarter, PL (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $4,080.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $2,500.00 - $5,000.00

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1878 Quarter, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $483.00 - $4,313.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $449.00 - $1,155.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $750.00 - $6,750.00

More Detail

1878 Quarter, DCAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $13,800.00 - $23,000.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $27,500.00

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1878-S Quarter (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $19.50 - $3,220.00

  Uncirculated: $205.00 - $19,975.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $207.72 - $2,616.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $400.00 - $5,500.00

  Uncirculated: $6,000.00 - $25,000.00

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1878 Quarter (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $312.00 - $1,320.00

  Uncirculated: $1.60 - $25,850.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $337.00 - $3,199.95
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $450.00 - $600.00

  Uncirculated: $650.00 - $22,500.00

More Detail

Design and Specifications of the 1878 Quarter

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of the 1878-S Quarter has a significant impact on its value. Due to its age and limited mintage, finding high-grade examples is challenging. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are especially valuable, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher.

Strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many examples show weakness in certain areas. Coins with full, sharp details command higher premiums. Original luster is highly prized, and coins with attractive, natural toning can see increased demand among collectors.

Several factors contribute to the 1878-S Quarter's value:

1. Historical Significance: Being the last year of regular production before a multi-year hiatus adds to its appeal.

2. Low Mintage: With only 140,000 minted, it's one of the scarcer dates in the Seated Liberty Quarter series.

3. Survival Rate: Many were likely melted or heavily circulated, making well-preserved examples particularly rare.

4. Type Set Demand: As a one-year type coin (last of its kind before the hiatus), it's sought after by type set collectors.

5. Condition Rarity: High-grade examples are extremely scarce, driving up prices for well-preserved specimens.