Price Guide for 1891 Quarter Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1891 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.

1891 Quarter (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $27.00 - $576.00
    Uncirculated: $2.60 - $28,740.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $15.77 - $460.00
    Uncirculated: $132.50 - $2,251.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $20.00 - $375.00
    Uncirculated: $400.00 - $25,000.00

1891-O Quarter (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $63.00 - $5,175.00
    Uncirculated: $31.00 - $161,000.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $127.61 - $2,200.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $250.00 - $7,500.00
    Uncirculated: $10,000.00 - $150,000.00

1891 Quarter, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $517.00 - $28,800.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $500.00 - $2,331.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $750.00 - $35,000.00

1891 Quarter, DCAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $1,495.00 - $9,400.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1,250.00 - $21,500.00

1891-S Quarter (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $9.00 - $529.00
    Uncirculated: $1.00 - $13,225.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $26.00 - $462.79
    Uncirculated: $293.00 - $1,700.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $20.00 - $375.00
    Uncirculated: $400.00 - $35,000.00

1891 Quarter MPD FS-301 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $198.00 - $282.00
    Uncirculated: $1,057.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $100.00 - $600.00
    Uncirculated: $650.00 - $1,750.00

1891 Quarter (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $411.00
    Uncirculated: $2.10 - $21,850.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $180.00
    Uncirculated: $405.00 - $1,625.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $550.00 - $600.00
    Uncirculated: $650.00 - $22,500.00

Design and Specifications of the 1891 Quarter

The 1891 Quarter was part of the Liberty Seated series, which had been in production since 1838. This year marked the penultimate year for the Liberty Seated design on quarters, as it would be replaced by the Barber design in 1892. The Liberty Seated quarter represented a significant period in American coinage, spanning over five decades and witnessing major historical events such as the Civil War and the country's rapid industrialization.

Weight 6.25 grams
Diameter 24.3 mm
Mint Marks O, S (No mint mark for Philadelphia)
Composition 90% silver, 10% copper
Obverse Design Liberty Seated design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, designed by Christian Gobrecht
Reverse Design Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of an 1891 Quarter significantly impacts its value. Coins in higher mint state grades (MS63 and above) are considerably rarer and more valuable, especially for the low-mintage New Orleans issue. Well-preserved examples with strong strikes, minimal contact marks, and good luster are highly sought after by collectors.

For circulated coins, grades of VF (Very Fine) and above tend to command premium prices, particularly for the New Orleans mint. The presence of original toning can also enhance the coin's appeal and value to collectors.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 3,920,000

Rarity Scale: Uncommon

Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate, as a type coin and last-year-of-issue for Philadelphia mint

New Orleans, O

Mintage: 68,000

Rarity Scale: Rare

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS63 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and key date status

San Francisco, S

Mintage: 2,216,000

Rarity Scale: Uncommon

Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate, as a type coin

Mint mark rarity plays a crucial role in the value of 1891 Quarters. The New Orleans (O) mint issue is significantly rarer and more valuable than its Philadelphia and San Francisco counterparts due to its low mintage.

Strike quality is another important factor, as some 1891 Quarters, particularly from the San Francisco mint, can be weakly struck. Well-struck examples with full details on Liberty's head and the eagle's feathers are more desirable.

As one of the last years of the Liberty Seated design, the 1891 Quarter holds special interest for collectors focusing on transitional years in U.S. coinage history. This historical significance can add a premium to well-preserved specimens.

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