1882 Seated Liberty Quarter Value: Business & Proof Prices
Learn the value of 1882 Seated Liberty Quarters. Business strikes: $300-$27,600. Proofs: $420-$25,000. Complete price guide, grading tips, and authentication.
The 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter is worth $300 to $27,600 for business strikes and $420 to $25,000+ for proofs.
- Business strike circulated: $300 (G-4) – $850 (AU-58)
- Business strike uncirculated: $900 (MS-60) – $27,600 (MS-68)
- Proof grades: $420 (PR-60) – $25,000+ (PR-68 CAM/DCAM)
This key date's value is driven by its extremely low business strike mintage of just 15,200 pieces and the premium commanded by cameo-designated proofs.
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1882 Seated Liberty Quarter: A Collector's Key Date
The 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter features Liberty seated with shield and cap on obverse, heraldic eagle with IN GOD WE TRUST motto on reverse
The 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter represents one of the most significant key dates in the series, struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint during a period when quarter dollar production was severely constrained. With a business strike mintage of just 15,200 pieces and 1,100 proofs produced, this issue exemplifies the impact of the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which diverted mint resources to silver dollar production. Most surviving examples were saved by collectors rather than circulated, creating an unusual market dynamic where problem-free circulated coins can be scarcer relative to mintage than uncirculated specimens. Values range from $300 for heavily worn examples to over $27,000 for top-grade business strikes, with proof specimens commanding premiums based on grade and cameo contrast.
How to Identify an 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter
The 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter follows the Type 4 "With Motto" design used from 1875 to 1891, making identification straightforward for this single-year, single-mint issue.
Philadelphia Mint coins like the 1882 have no mint mark; other mints placed marks below the eagle
Obverse Design Features: The obverse displays Christian Gobrecht's iconic representation of Liberty seated on a rock. She holds a pole topped with a Phrygian cap in her right hand, while her left hand rests on a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. A crucial diagnostic element added in 1840 is the fold of drapery extending from Liberty's left elbow down to her knee, which distinguishes this from earlier design types. The date 1882 appears below the seated figure, with thirteen stars arranged around the periphery representing the original colonies.
Reverse Design Features: The reverse showcases a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, clutching an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left. The defining characteristic of the Type 4 design is the presence of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST inscribed on a flowing scroll positioned above the eagle's head. The denomination is expressed as QUAR. DOL. below the eagle, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA completing the outer legend.
Mint Mark Identification: All 1882 quarters were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and bear no mint mark. This is standard for Philadelphia issues of this era. On Seated Liberty quarters from other mints—New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), or Carson City (CC)—the mint mark would appear on the reverse below the eagle's claws. The absence of a mint mark immediately confirms Philadelphia origin for an 1882 quarter.
Edge and Specifications: The coin features a reeded edge, weighs 6.25 grams, measures 24.3 millimeters in diameter, and contains 0.1808 troy ounces of silver in its 90% silver, 10% copper composition. These physical characteristics help authenticate genuine examples and distinguish them from counterfeits or later commemorative reproductions.
1882 Seated Liberty Quarter Value by Grade
The 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter market is defined by two distinct strike types—business strikes and proofs—each with unique survival patterns and value structures. The business strike's minuscule mintage creates strong demand across all grades, while proof values are highly stratified by cameo designation.
Business Strike Values (1882-P)
Business strike grade progression showing wear patterns from heavily circulated to gem uncirculated
With only 15,200 business strikes produced, the 1882 quarter stands as a key date that commands substantial premiums over common dates even in lower grades. The market paradox created by collector hoarding means that genuinely circulated examples in mid-grades like Fine or Very Fine are often more challenging to locate than uncirculated specimens. NGC census data shows an average grade of MS-62 from just 87 coins graded, reflecting the unusually high survival rate of mint state examples relative to the tiny mintage.
| Grade | NGC Value | Market Notes |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $300 | Circulated examples scarce; values firm for problem-free coins |
| VF-20 | $575 | NGC F-15 realized $399.50(Heritage, 2015) |
| EF-40 | $675 | PCGS EF-45 retail offerings around $800 |
| AU-50 | $715 | PCGS AU-50 sold for $660(Heritage, 2018) |
| AU-53 | $730 | PCGS/CAC AU-53 offered at $1,785, showing strong CAC premium |
| AU-58 | $825 | NGC AU-58 sold for $603.75(Heritage, 2006) |
| MS-60 | $900 | Entry point for uncirculated examples |
| MS-62 | $1,250 | PCGS MS-62 sold for $1,020(Heritage, April 2023) |
| MS-63 | $1,500 | PCGS MS-63 sold for $1,092.50(Heritage, 2011) |
| MS-64 | $1,850 | Choice uncirculated with strong eye appeal |
| MS-65 | $2,650 | NGC MS-65 sold for $1,920(Heritage, January 2022); PCGS MS-65 CAC bid at $2,990 |
| MS-66 | $3,350 | MS-66+ sold for $2,400(Heritage, 2019) |
| MS-67 | $5,750 | PCGS MS-67 sold for $6,600(Heritage, May 2025) and $4,680(Heritage, June 2020) |
| MS-68 | $23,500 | Auction record: $27,600(Heritage, January 2010) |
The CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) premium is particularly pronounced for this key date, with some CAC-approved coins trading for 50-100% above standard price guide values. This reflects the market's emphasis on original surfaces and superior eye appeal for a date where most survivors were carefully preserved from the outset.
Proof Strike Values (1882-P)
Proof quality tiers: standard proofs, cameo (CAM), and deep cameo (DCAM) showing progressively stronger contrast
The Philadelphia Mint struck 1,100 proof Seated Liberty Quarters in 1882, with PCGS estimating that as many as 850 examples survive today, including 810 grading Proof-60 or better. This high survival rate makes standard proof examples available to collectors, but the market is highly stratified by aesthetic quality. Coins with cameo (CAM) contrast—showing noticeable frost on the devices against mirrored fields—are significantly scarcer and command substantial premiums. Deep cameo (DCAM or UCAM) examples, which exhibit stark black-and-white contrast, are described by PCGS experts as "almost impossible to find" and can trade for multiples of standard proof values.
| Grade | Standard Proof | Cameo (CAM) | Market Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR-60 | $420-$625 | Significant premium | Entry level for proof collectors |
| PR-62 | $650-$800 | ~$1,000+ | Minor surface marks acceptable |
| PR-63 | $925-$1,050 | ~$1,300-$1,600 | Good eye appeal expected |
| PR-64 | $1,225-$1,325 | ~$1,800-$2,500 | Near-gem quality with minimal marks |
| PR-65 | $2,000-$2,300 | ~$3,000-$4,500 | Gem proof quality |
| PR-66 | $2,500-$3,350 | ~$4,500-$7,000 | Superb proof with exceptional surfaces |
| PR-67 | $4,750-$5,550 | ~$7,500-$11,000 | Condition census quality |
| PR-68 | $25,000 | $16,000-$25,000+ | NGC PF-68 CAM offered at $16,800; PCGS PR-68 CAC sold for over $11,000 |
The addition of a CAM designation at the same numerical grade can effectively double or triple a coin's value, while Deep Cameo examples in top grades represent the pinnacle of the series and are valued on an individual basis through auction competition. For collectors, this creates a strategic choice: acquire a higher numerical grade without cameo, or prioritize cameo contrast at a slightly lower grade for comparable investment.
Grading Liberty Seated Quarters: Key Diagnostics
Accurately grading Seated Liberty quarters requires understanding the series' specific wear patterns and the critical distinction between strike quality and circulation wear. The following guide covers the key diagnostic points and grade-appropriate expectations for the 1882 issue.
Critical areas to examine: Liberty's knee, breast, and hair; eagle's head, neck, and wing tops
Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8): Heavy wear characterizes these grades. In G-4, Liberty appears as a silhouette with all finer details worn smooth, but the date remains clear and readable, and the rim is complete. By VG-8, some of the major gown lines become visible, and at least three letters in LIBERTY on the shield are distinguishable, though they may be weak or incomplete. On the reverse, the eagle's outline is clear, but feather detail is largely absent. These grades represent the minimum collectible condition for this key date.
Fine (F-12) to Very Fine (VF-20): At F-12, all seven letters of LIBERTY are visible and readable, though some may show weakness. The major folds of Liberty's gown are clearly defined, and on the reverse, some feather detail becomes evident on the eagle's wings. By VF-20, the gown line crossing Liberty's chest is visible, the vertical lines of the shield show partial separation, and moderate feather detail is present throughout the eagle. These mid-circulated grades are particularly scarce for the 1882 due to most examples being saved rather than spent.
Extremely Fine (EF-40) to About Uncirculated (AU-58): In these grades, wear is confined to the highest points of the design. On the obverse, check carefully for flatness on Liberty's left knee (the most prominent high point), her right breast, and the hair above her ear. On the reverse, wear first appears on the eagle's head and neck, followed by the tops of its wings and the tips of its claws. In AU grades, most of the original mint luster will be visible in the protected areas, with only slight friction evident on the high points. The distinction between AU-55 and AU-58 often comes down to the amount of remaining luster and the degree of friction marks.
Understanding the difference between weak strike characteristics and actual wear from circulation
Mint State (MS-60 to MS-68): Uncirculated coins show no wear from circulation, but grading within Mint State depends on the quality of the strike, the preservation of surfaces, and overall eye appeal. Key factors include:
Strike Quality: Seated Liberty quarters can exhibit variable strike pressure even on uncirculated examples. Some coins may show weakness in Liberty's head, the shield lines, or the eagle's breast feathers due to insufficient striking force rather than wear. Experienced graders must distinguish this inherent weakness from the smoothing caused by circulation. Well-struck examples command premiums at any grade level.
Surface Preservation: MS-60 to MS-62 coins typically show numerous bagmarks and contact marks from mint bag handling, which can be distracting but do not indicate circulation. MS-63 and MS-64 examples have fewer and less prominent marks, with MS-64 showing good overall eye appeal. MS-65 and higher grades require exceptional surfaces with only trivial marks that don't detract from the coin's beauty. The jump to MS-67 and MS-68 demands virtually flawless surfaces with strong original luster.
Luster: Original mint luster is critical for grade assessment. The cartwheel effect—rotating bands of light moving across the surface—should be present and vibrant on higher-grade examples. Dull or lifeless surfaces suggest environmental damage or cleaning, which will significantly impact value even if the coin technically grades mint state.
Proof Grades (PR-60 to PR-68): Proof coins were struck using specially prepared dies and planchets to create mirrored fields and frosted devices. Grading focuses on surface preservation and the quality of the cameo contrast rather than strike characteristics, which are uniformly sharp. Hairlines from improper cleaning or storage are the primary detractor in lower proof grades. PR-65 and higher require exceptional surfaces with deep mirrors and, ideally, strong cameo contrast for maximum value.
Authentication and Problem Detection
Cleaned coin shows parallel hairlines, unnatural luster, and inconsistent surface appearance
For a valuable key date like the 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter, careful authentication is essential before making a purchase, particularly when considering a "raw" or ungraded specimen. The most common problems affecting these coins are cleaning, environmental damage, and various forms of post-mint alteration.
Cleaning is the single most prevalent issue encountered with 19th-century silver coins. Signs to watch for include hairlines—fine, parallel scratches visible across the coin's fields when tilted under a single light source, caused by abrasive wiping with a cloth or brush. A cleaned coin may appear unusually bright and shiny but will lack the rotating cartwheel effect characteristic of original mint luster. Alternatively, coins repeatedly dipped in chemical solutions develop a dull, lifeless surface with an unnatural grayish or overly white appearance. Look for dirt or toning residue built up around the edges of letters, stars, and design elements, which indicates that accessible surfaces were cleaned while protected recesses were not. Even expertly cleaned coins can be detected by experienced graders and will receive "Details" grades from major services, trading at substantial discounts to problem-free examples.
Original surfaces show natural flow lines, correct metal color, and appropriate luster for the grade
Post-mint damage takes many forms and significantly impacts value. Carefully inspect the rim for nicks, bumps, or flat spots that suggest the coin was removed from jewelry or improperly stored. Examine both surfaces under magnification for deep scratches, gouges, or evidence of tooling—deliberate marks made to hide problems or enhance details. Check for signs of environmental damage such as verdigris (green copper deposits), dark pitting from exposure to moisture or chemicals, or unnatural rainbow toning caused by improper storage in PVC-containing flips. Any of these problems will result in a "Details" grade and poor liquidity in the resale market.
Counterfeits are less common for this date than for higher-value rarities, but they exist. Genuine 1882 quarters should have correct weight (6.25 grams), diameter (24.3 millimeters), and reeded edge specifications. The surfaces should show natural die flow lines in the fields—parallel raised lines from the die polishing process that are difficult for counterfeiters to replicate accurately. If a coin seems too good to be true for its price point, or if the seller cannot provide provenance or is unwilling to guarantee authenticity, proceed with extreme caution.
For any significant purchase, particularly uncertified coins or those claimed to be in high grades, professional authentication through PCGS, NGC, or CAC is strongly recommended. The modest cost of third-party grading provides insurance against costly mistakes and greatly enhances a coin's liquidity for eventual resale. When buying already certified coins, verify the certification number on the service's website and inspect the holder for signs of tampering.
Proper Care and Preservation
Preserving the condition and value of an 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter requires proper storage, careful handling, and protection from environmental hazards. These preventive measures are particularly critical for high-grade examples where even minor surface disturbance can result in significant value loss.
Storage in inert, archival-safe holders is essential. Coins already encapsulated in PCGS or NGC hard plastic slabs require no additional protection and should remain in these holders, which provide optimal long-term preservation and tamper resistance. For raw coins, use high-quality, PVC-free Mylar flips specifically designed for long-term coin storage. Avoid older soft plastic flips, which can leach harmful chemicals that cause green slime buildup, surface etching, and irreversible damage to silver coins. Never store coins in paper envelopes, cardboard holders with staples, or any material not specifically designated as coin-safe.
The storage environment matters as much as the holder itself. Keep coins in a cool, dry, stable location away from temperature extremes, high humidity, and atmospheric pollutants. Basements prone to dampness and attics subject to heat fluctuations are poor choices. Sulfur compounds in the air—from certain woods, rubber bands, and even some carpeting—can cause unsightly toning or corrosion on silver coins. A home safe or safety deposit box in a climate-controlled bank vault provides ideal conditions. Include silica gel packets to absorb residual moisture, but avoid allowing direct contact between the desiccant and the coins.
Proper handling technique is non-negotiable. Never touch the obverse or reverse surfaces of any coin. Always hold coins by their edges between your thumb and forefinger, preferably while wearing cotton or nitrile gloves. The natural oils, acids, and salts present on human skin can permanently etch a coin's surface, leaving fingerprints that reduce grade and value. When examining a coin, hold it over a soft surface such as a velvet pad in case it slips from your grasp. Even a short fall onto a hard surface can cause rim damage or surface marks on an otherwise pristine example.
Recent Auction Results and Market Trends
Auction records for the 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter provide valuable market insights, particularly for high-grade business strikes and proof coins with cameo designations. The following results from Heritage Auctions and other major numismatic firms illustrate current market valuations across the grade spectrum.
Business Strike Results: Recent auction activity demonstrates strong demand across all grades. An NGC F-15 realized $399.50 in a 2015 Heritage auction, while a PCGS AU-50 brought $660 in 2018. In the mint state category, a PCGS MS-62 sold for $1,020 in April 2023, and a PCGS MS-63 achieved $1,092.50 in 2011. Moving into gem territory, an NGC MS-65 realized $1,920 in January 2022, while an MS-66+ brought $2,400 in 2019. At the top of the population, a PCGS MS-67 sold for $6,600 in May 2025 and another MS-67 achieved $4,680 in June 2020. The auction record remains the $27,600 realized for an MS-68 example in January 2010.
Market Analysis: These results confirm that the 1882 quarter trades well above typical Seated Liberty dates at all grade levels, reflecting its key date status and low mintage. The CAC premium is substantial, with CAC-approved coins often selling for 50-100% above non-CAC examples at the same numerical grade. For business strikes, the market appears stable with gradual appreciation for top-grade pieces, while lower-grade circulated examples remain firm due to scarcity relative to demand. Collectors should note that auction realization can vary significantly based on eye appeal, with well-struck coins showing original surfaces commanding premium bids regardless of numerical grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter worth?
The value of an 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter depends primarily on its grade and strike type. Business strikes range from $300 for a heavily worn G-4 example to over $27,000 for a top-grade MS-68 specimen. Proof coins are worth $420 to $625 in PR-60 condition, with premium cameo-designated examples in PR-68 reaching $25,000 or more. The coin's low mintage of just 15,200 business strikes makes it a key date that commands substantial premiums over common-date Seated Liberty quarters at all grade levels.
How do I know if my 1882 quarter is a business strike or a proof?
Proof coins have distinctly different surface characteristics from business strikes. Proofs feature deeply mirrored fields with a reflective, glass-like appearance and frosted design elements that create strong visual contrast. Business strikes have a softer, satiny luster with no mirror-like quality. Proofs were sold directly to collectors at a premium and typically show exceptional preservation, while business strikes were intended for circulation and may show wear. If you're uncertain, professional authentication through PCGS or NGC can definitively determine strike type and grade.
Where is the mint mark on an 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter?
All 1882 Seated Liberty Quarters were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and do not bear a mint mark. On Seated Liberty quarters from other mints—San Francisco (S), New Orleans (O), or Carson City (CC)—the mint mark appears on the reverse below the eagle's claws. The absence of a mint mark on an 1882 quarter confirms it was produced in Philadelphia.
Why is the 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter considered a key date?
The 1882 quarter is a key date due to its extremely low business strike mintage of just 15,200 pieces, one of the lowest in the entire Seated Liberty series. This scarcity resulted from the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which mandated large-scale silver dollar production and diverted mint resources away from subsidiary denominations like quarters. Most examples that survive were saved by collectors rather than circulated, making this date significantly scarcer and more valuable than typical series dates.
What is the difference between Cameo and Deep Cameo proofs?
Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM or UCAM) are designations applied to proof coins that exhibit superior contrast between the mirrored fields and frosted devices. Standard proofs have some contrast but lack dramatic visual impact. Cameo proofs display noticeable frost on Liberty and the eagle against reflective fields. Deep Cameo examples show stark, black-and-white contrast with heavily frosted devices that appear almost three-dimensional against deeply mirrored backgrounds. DCAM 1882 proofs are described by PCGS as "almost impossible to find" and command substantial premiums, often trading for several times the value of standard proofs at the same numerical grade.
Should I get my 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter professionally graded?
Professional grading through PCGS, NGC, or CAC is strongly recommended for any 1882 quarter in collectible condition, particularly those appearing to grade About Uncirculated or better. Given this date's key status and substantial values, third-party authentication provides insurance against costly mistakes related to counterfeits, altered dates, or misgraded coins. Certified coins also trade at premiums over "raw" examples due to guaranteed authenticity and standardized grading, greatly enhancing liquidity for eventual resale. For lower-grade circulated examples worth less than $500, the grading fee may exceed the incremental value gained, but for mint state or proof coins, certification is essential.
How should I store and handle my 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter?
Always handle coins by their edges using cotton or nitrile gloves, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces. Store coins in inert holders—PCGS or NGC slabs provide optimal protection, while PVC-free Mylar flips are acceptable for raw coins. Avoid soft plastic flips that can leach harmful chemicals. Keep coins in a cool, dry, stable environment away from temperature extremes, humidity, and atmospheric pollutants like sulfur. A home safe or bank safety deposit box in a climate-controlled environment is ideal. Never clean coins or attempt to improve their appearance, as this invariably reduces value.
Are there any valuable varieties of the 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter?
According to comprehensive reviews of authoritative numismatic resources including PCGS and NGC variety databases, there are no major, widely recognized die varieties for the 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter. This date does not have cataloged doubled dies, repunched dates, or overdates that carry premiums in the mainstream market. The value of an 1882 quarter is therefore determined purely by its condition grade, surface quality, and—for proofs—the presence of cameo contrast, rather than by variety attribution.
What is the melt value of an 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter?
The 1882 quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of silver in its 90% silver, 10% copper composition. At a silver spot price of approximately $48.81 per troy ounce, the melt value is approximately $8.82. However, this bullion value is completely irrelevant to collectible 1882 quarters, as even the lowest-grade examples in G-4 condition are worth $300 based purely on numismatic demand. The coin's scarcity and key date status make its collector value 30 to 3,000 times greater than its intrinsic metal content.
How can I tell if my 1882 quarter has been cleaned?
Signs of cleaning include hairlines (fine parallel scratches visible when tilting the coin under a single light source), unnatural brightness or dullness compared to original luster, inconsistent toning with buildup around design elements, and surfaces that lack the cartwheel effect. Cleaned coins will receive "Details" grades from major grading services (such as "AU Details - Cleaned") and trade at significant discounts to problem-free examples. Even if a cleaned coin technically grades mint state based on lack of wear, the surface disturbance from cleaning permanently affects its value and market acceptance.
Research Methodology and Sources
This comprehensive value guide for the 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter is based on authoritative numismatic research, current market data, and auction records from major firms. Primary sources include the NGC Coin Explorer and PCGS CoinFacts databases, which provide population reports, certified grade distributions, and historical pricing data. Auction results are sourced from Heritage Auctions and other major numismatic auction houses, with specific dated sales cited throughout the guide. Technical specifications and historical context are drawn from scholarly numismatic references including the Newman Numismatic Portal and professional resources from Stack's Bowers Galleries.
Price data represents market conditions as of October and November 2025 and is subject to change based on precious metal prices, collector demand, and overall economic conditions. Readers should verify current market values through recent auction results and dealer price lists before making purchase decisions. The silver spot price used for melt value calculations is sourced from Money Metals Exchange as of November 2, 2025. All values are presented in U.S. dollars and represent typical retail prices for coins certified by major grading services; raw or problem coins may trade at substantial discounts.
