Liberty Seated Quarter

Liberty Seated Quarters (1838–1891)

The Liberty Seated Quarter was produced by the United States Mint from 1838 through 1891, representing more than five decades of American silver coinage. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the Liberty Seated motif first appeared on circulating quarters in 1838 and became one of the most enduring designs in nineteenth-century U.S. coinage.

The obverse depicts Liberty seated upon a rock, holding a shield inscribed LIBERTY in one hand and a pole topped with a Liberty cap in the other. Thirteen stars surround the design, with the date positioned below Liberty.

The reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings, a shield across its breast, an olive branch and arrows in its talons, and the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and QUAR. DOL.

History and Design Varieties of Liberty Seated Quarters

Throughout its production, the Liberty Seated Quarter underwent several design changes reflecting adjustments to silver coinage standards and the addition of the national motto.

No Drapery (1838–1840)

The earliest Liberty Seated Quarters featured Gobrecht's original design without additional drapery beneath Liberty's left elbow. These early issues represent the first design type of the series.

With Drapery, No Motto (1840–1853)

In 1840, additional drapery was introduced beneath Liberty's left elbow, creating a modified obverse design. The reverse continued to feature the eagle without a motto above it.

Arrows and Rays (1853)

Rising silver prices prompted Congress to reduce the weight of subsidiary silver coinage in 1853. The quarter's weight decreased from approximately 6.68 grams to 6.22 grams.

To distinguish the new lighter coins from earlier issues, arrows were placed beside the date on the obverse and rays were added around the eagle on the reverse. The Arrows and Rays design was produced only in 1853.

Arrows at Date, No Rays (1854–1855)

The rays were removed from the reverse beginning in 1854, but arrows remained beside the date through 1855. These coins retained the reduced silver weight introduced in 1853.

No Motto (1856–1865)

In 1856, the arrows were removed, returning the quarter to an appearance similar to earlier With Drapery issues. The reduced weight remained unchanged.

With Motto (1866–1873)

Following congressional authorization in 1865, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the reverse of the Liberty Seated Quarter in 1866, appearing on a ribbon above the eagle.

This marked a significant design change, and the motto remained part of the series through its conclusion in 1891.

Arrows at Date, With Motto (1873–1874)

The Coinage Act of 1873 adjusted the quarter's weight from 6.22 grams to 6.25 grams. Arrows were again placed beside the date to distinguish coins struck under the revised standard.

These arrows appeared on quarters dated 1873 and 1874.

With Motto, No Arrows (1875–1891)

The arrows were removed beginning in 1875, while the motto remained above the eagle. This final design type continued through 1891, when the Liberty Seated Quarter was replaced by the Barber Quarter in 1892.

Collecting Certified Liberty Seated Quarters

Liberty Seated Quarters were struck at the Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Carson City Mints. Collectors pursue the series by date, mintmark, condition, and major design variety.

Carson City issues are particularly important within the series, including the rare 1870-CC, 1871-CC, 1872-CC, and 1873-CC quarters. The 1873-CC No Arrows Quarter is among the great rarities of nineteenth-century American coinage.

The Liberty Seated design also appeared on Half Dimes, Dimes, Half Dollars, and Silver Dollars. Its longevity and numerous varieties make it an important area of study for collectors of early American silver coins.

Certified Liberty Seated Quarters graded by PCGS, NGC, and CACG, along with CAC-approved examples, provide collectors with authenticated examples of this historic series.