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1878 (S) Seated Liberty Quarter

Strike Type
1878 (S) Seated Liberty Quarter

Coin Details

Year
1878
Denomination
Quarter
Mint Mark
S
Strike Type
Regular Strike
Series
Seated Liberty Quarters 1838-1891
Designer
Robert Ball Hughes/Christian Gobrecht
Mintage
140,000
Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight
6.3g
Diameter
24.3mm
Edge
Reeded

Value Estimates

$387 - $6,841

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

$19,975 MS66 10-27-2014 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1878 (S) Seated Liberty Quarter is a quarter produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Seated Liberty Quarters 1838-1891 series. The U.S. Mint produced 140,000 examples, making this the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 4% of total 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 Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush and now primarily producing proof and collector coins. Estimated market value ranges from $387 to $6.8K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 6.3 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5510.

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