Price Guide for 1885 Quarter Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1885 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.
1885 Quarter (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $63.00 - $998.75Uncirculated: $4.50 - $15,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $258.00 - $760.07Uncirculated: $3,054.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 - $1,050.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 - $25,000.00
1885 Quarter (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $456.00 - $805.00Uncirculated: $2.40 - $33,358.00
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eBayUncirculated: $579.00 - $3,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 - $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 - $22,500.00
1885 Quarter, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $528.75 - $47,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,250.00 - $2,436.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 - $65,000.00
1885 Quarter, DCAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,290.00 - $18,212.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,500.00 - $30,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1885 Quarter
The 1885 Liberty Seated Quarter is part of the long-running Liberty Seated series, which began in 1838 and continued until 1891. This year's mintage was notably low, making it a key date for collectors. The coin features Lady Liberty seated on a rock on the obverse, while the reverse displays an eagle with a shield, holding arrows and an olive branch.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Seated design, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1885 quarters, particularly for the Philadelphia issue. Due to the extremely low mintage, even circulated examples of the Philadelphia mint are highly sought after. For both mints, coins in Mint State condition are rare and command significant premiums.
The San Francisco issue, while more common, is still challenging to find in high grades. Coins with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks are especially desirable. Toning can also impact value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding higher prices among collectors.
Mintage: 13,600
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to key date status and low mintage
Mintage: 1,497,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially in higher grades
The 1885 Philadelphia quarter is a key date in the Liberty Seated series, making it highly valuable regardless of condition. However, the rarity in high grades makes Mint State examples particularly valuable.
For both mints, factors such as strike quality, luster, and eye appeal can significantly affect value. Well-struck coins with full design details, especially on Liberty's head and the eagle's feathers, are more desirable. Original mint luster and attractive, natural toning can also increase a coin's value substantially.
While major varieties or errors are not known for this year, any discovery of such could potentially add significant numismatic interest and value.
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