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 is a quarter produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of 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. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation 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.
