Seated Liberty Quarter

The Seated Liberty quarter design holds the distinction of being the longest running design for any US silver coin ever minted. Some collectors may think that if they have seen one coin with the design that they have seen them all, but that is not the case.

The Seated Liberty quarter has seen many changes during its existence from 1838 through 1891. The design of this coin was done by Christian Gobrecht, based on a drawing by artist Thomas Sully. The main difference in the design is the extra fabric present at Liberty’s elbow. The quarter dollars that were dated 1838, 1839 and 1840 do not have the extra fabric, while the coins dated 1840 through 1891 do.

The eagle design on the reverse with wings partially raised is facing left. It holds an olive branch in its right claw and three arrows in its left. Arrows represented being prepared and olive branches symbolize peace and are the international emblem of friendship.

There were different kinds of arrows used in 1853 when they were placed on both sides of the date and in 1866 a new design element was added with IN GOD WE TRUST on the reverse. Baptist minister Mark R. Watkison is credited with the motto when he wrote to the Secretary of Treasury suggesting the US coins should bear some recognition of God. Not all 1866 Seated Liberty quarters had the motto.

There are many rarities in the Seated Liberty series that makes it nearly impossible to obtain a complete set by date and mint, even among the circulated grades. The most desirable coins are the ones with original surfaces, meaning coins that have never been cleaned.