Price Guide for 1887 Quarter Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1887 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.
1887 Quarter (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $92.00 - $1,140.00Uncirculated: $4.50 - $12,650.00
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eBayCirculated: $538.00 - $765.00Uncirculated: $275.00 - $1,475.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 - $1,450.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 - $25,000.00
1887 Quarter (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $259.00 - $518.00Uncirculated: $2.25 - $14,100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $511.76 - $4,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $325.00 - $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 - $22,500.00
1887 Quarter, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $517.00 - $41,125.00
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eBayUncirculated: $940.00 - $1,136.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 - $50,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1887 Quarter
The 1887 Liberty Seated Quarter is part of the long-running Liberty Seated series, which began in 1838 and continued until 1891. This coin represents a transitional period in American coinage, as the country was moving towards more modern designs in the late 19th century.
The Liberty Seated design, created by Christian Gobrecht, features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a liberty pole. This iconic image symbolized the strength and stability of the young American nation.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), 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
The condition of 1887 quarters significantly impacts their value, particularly for the rare Philadelphia issue. Uncirculated examples of the Philadelphia mint are extremely valuable due to their scarcity.
For both mints, coins in MS65 or higher grades are highly sought after by collectors. The presence of original luster and absence of significant contact marks greatly enhance the coin's desirability and value.
Toning can also play a role in the coin's appeal, with attractive, natural toning often commanding a premium among collectors.
Mintage: 10,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant reported
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,204,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant reported
Market Demand: Moderate to High, depending on condition
Strike quality is an important factor for 1887 quarters. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty's head and the eagle's feathers, are more valuable.
The 1887 Philadelphia issue is particularly valuable due to its extremely low mintage of only 10,000 coins. This makes it a key date in the series and highly sought after by collectors.
For the San Francisco issue, while more common, examples in high grades are still scarce and valuable. The preservation of mint luster and absence of significant wear or damage are crucial factors in determining value.
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