1853 Seated Liberty Quarter - Arrows and Rays
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
$80,500 MS67 02-13-2008 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1853 Seated Liberty Quarter - Arrows and Rays is a quarter produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Seated Liberty Quarters 1838-1891 series. The U.S. Mint produced 15.2 million examples, making this ranked 3rd of 5 mint variants by mintage, with 32% of 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. Arrows at date and rays on reverse indicate weight reduction. The rays were removed after one year. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $80 to $5.0K 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 #5426.
