1857 Seated Liberty Quarter
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$35,250 MS68* 11-15-2013 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1857 Seated Liberty Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a quarter in the Seated Liberty Quarters 1838-1891 series. The U.S. Mint produced 9.6 million examples, making this the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 88% of the year's production. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole surmounted by a Phrygian liberty cap in her left hand and a shield inscribed LIBERTY in her right and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $49 to $732 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 6.2 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5442.
External References
Error Varieties(1)
Other Strike Types in This Series
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