1864-S Liberty Seated Quarter: A Collector’s Guide

The 1864-S Liberty Seated Quarter holds a special place in U.S. numismatic history. Struck at the San Francisco Mint during the Civil War era, this coin is both a historical artifact and a coveted collectible. Known for its low mintage and rarity in high grades, the 1864-S quarter represents a fascinating chapter in American coinage.

This guide will explore the history, design, rarity, and value of the 1864-S Liberty Seated Quarter, providing collectors with key insights into this remarkable coin.

History and Background

The Liberty Seated Quarter series, designed by Christian Gobrecht, was first introduced in 1838 and remained in production until 1891. The series depicts Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield in one hand and a pole with a Liberty cap in the other, symbolizing strength and vigilance. The reverse features an eagle with a shield on its chest, clutching an olive branch and arrows.

The 1864-S Liberty Seated Quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which played a crucial role in producing coins for the western United States during the Gold Rush and Civil War eras. With the Civil War creating economic and logistical challenges, coins like the 1864-S quarter were essential for commerce in the West.

Design Features

The 1864-S Liberty Seated Quarter shares the standard design elements of the Liberty Seated series:

  • Obverse Design: The obverse features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, facing left. She holds a shield marked “LIBERTY” in her left hand and a pole with a Phrygian cap in her right hand. The date “1864” is inscribed below the figure, with thirteen stars encircling the design.
  • Reverse Design: The reverse showcases a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest. The eagle clutches an olive branch in one talon, symbolizing peace, and arrows in the other, representing preparedness for war. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounds the design, with the denomination “QUAR. DOL.” at the bottom.
  • Mintmark: The “S” mintmark, denoting the San Francisco Mint, is located below the eagle on the reverse.
  • Specifications: The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.22 grams with a diameter of 24.3 millimeters.

Mintage and Rarity

The 1864-S Liberty Seated Quarter had a mintage of only 20,000 coins, making it one of the scarcer issues in the series. Many of these coins were heavily circulated, leading to significant wear. As a result, high-grade examples are extremely rare, and uncirculated specimens are virtually non-existent.

The coin’s scarcity is further heightened by the historical context of its production. During the Civil War, coinage in the western United States was in high demand, and most 1864-S quarters were used in daily transactions rather than being saved as collectibles.

Value and Collecting Tips

The value of the 1864-S Liberty Seated Quarter is heavily influenced by its condition. Here is an overview of typical pricing:

  • Good (G-4): Coins in this grade show significant wear but retain the major design elements. These can range from $1,000 to $1,800.
  • Fine (F-12): Coins in finer condition with more visible details can sell for $2,500 to $4,000.
  • Extremely Fine (XF-40): Rare examples in XF condition, with minimal wear and strong detail, are valued between $7,000 and $10,000.
  • Uncirculated (MS-60): Uncirculated examples are exceedingly rare, and if discovered, they can command prices well above $25,000, depending on the grade and eye appeal.

Conclusion

The 1864-S Liberty Seated Quarter is a treasure for collectors, combining historical significance with rarity and beauty. Its low mintage and the challenges of finding well-preserved specimens make it a prized addition to any numismatic collection. Collectors seeking this coin should focus on authenticity and condition, as high-grade examples are exceedingly rare and valuable.

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FAQs

1. How rare is the 1864-S Liberty Seated Quarter?

With a mintage of only 20,000 coins and few surviving in high grades, the 1864-S Liberty Seated Quarter is considered highly rare and valuable.

2. What affects the value of an 1864-S Liberty Seated Quarter?

The coin’s value depends on its condition, rarity, and historical significance. High-grade examples are especially sought after by collectors.

3. How can I authenticate an 1864-S Liberty Seated Quarter?

Look for the “S” mintmark below the eagle on the reverse. Professional grading services, like PCGS or NGC, can also certify the coin’s authenticity and grade.

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