Coin Specifications

Representing the longest duration for a design on the quarter dollar denomination so far was the Liberty Seated Quarter series which spanned from 1838 to 1891. While the basic design did remain unchanged for this entire period, there were several subtle changes in design as well as adjustments to weight.

The image of Liberty Seated on a rock with a pole and shield was designed by Christian Gobrecht. The original concept is said to be derived from images of Britannia, used on British coinage. The reverse of each coin features a bald eagle, facing left. A shield is at the eagle’s breast and an olive branch and bundle of arrows are in its claws.

Originally, the Seated Liberty Quarter carried a weight of 6.68 grams. This remained the case until 1853 when the weight was lowered to 6.22 grams. To denote the change arrows were added at the date and rays were placed around the eagle. Two decades later, the weight was increased slightly to 6.25 grams. Once again, the arrows at the date were briefly used to denote the change.

Other design changes during the course of the series included adding drapery at Liberty’s elbow from 1840 onwards and adding a scroll on the reverse with the motto “In God We Trust” from 1866 onwards.

Seated Liberty Quarter Coin Specifications

quarters Seated Liberty