Obverse
Reverse
1872 Seated Liberty Quarter
$38 – $28,725
The Seated Liberty Quarter - 1872 was minted at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of 182,000. Values range from $38 in lower grades to $28,725 in top condition. This is a semi-key date with strong collector demand. The coin contains 90% silver with a melt value of $5.49.
Melt Value (90% silver)
$5.49
Based on $30.50/oz silver
as of Aug 1, 2026
Market Activity
CoinValueDB Price Guide by Grade
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
Good (G-4)
| $99 |
Very Good (VG-8)
| $55 |
Fine (F-12)
| $152 |
Very Fine (VF-20)
| $130 |
Extremely Fine (EF-40)
| $338 |
About Uncirculated (AU-50)
| $435 |
Mint State (MS-60)
| $2,848 |
Choice (MS-63)
| $6,088 |
Near Gem (MS-64)
| $25,000 |
Gem (MS-65)
Best Value
| $21,163 |
Superb Gem (MS-66)
| $65,000 |
Superb Gem+ (MS-67)
| $28,725 |
Coin Specifications
Historical Notes
1872 Seated Liberty Quarter from Philadelphia.
About the Seated Liberty Quarter
The Seated Liberty Quarter series began in 1838. Christian Gobrecht designed the coin based on sketches by Thomas Sully and Titian Peale. Gobrecht replaced the previous Capped Bust design to modernize the appearance of United States coinage. The obverse depicts Lady Liberty sitting on a rock while holding a liberty cap on a pole. She holds a shield with the word LIBERTY inscribed across it. The series underwent several changes during its 53-year run. The Mint added drapery at Liberty's elbow in 1840. Rays were added behind the figure in 1853 to mark a reduction in the weight of the silver. These rays were removed in 1854. The Mint added the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a ribbon above Liberty in 1866. Production ended in 1891 when the Barber Quarter replaced the design.
Collecting Seated Liberty Quarter Coins
Focus on dates from the 1870s and 1880s to build an affordable starter set. Many coins from this era exist in lower grades like Good or Very Good. Watch for signs of cleaning, as many collectors scrubbed these coins in the past, which ruins their numismatic value. Inspect the date and mint mark area with a 10x loupe to identify common cast counterfeits. Avoid coins with heavy scratches or rim dings if you plan to sell them later.
Frequently Asked Questions
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