Seated Liberty Quarter 25c No Drapery, 1838-39 PR [Type]

Designer: Christian Gobrecht. Weight: 6.68 grams. Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper. Diameter: 24.3 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans.

Key to Collecting: Liberty Seated quarters of 1838 and 1839, and some of 1840, lack drapery at Liberty’s elbow, thus constituting a separate type. These are fairly scarce today, but enough exist that finding one in just about any grade except gem Mint State will present no difficulty, especially an attractive VF, EF, or AU example for type set purposes. Individual varieties of Mint State coins range from scarce to rare, but securing a solitary example for a type set will be no problem.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: The quality of striking varies but is generally good. Check the features of Liberty on the obverse, including her hair details, and examine the stars around the borders. On the reverse check the eagle, particularly the area to the lower left of the shield. The denticles are usually sharp.

Proof Coins: Exceedingly rare and not a realistic acquisition expectation.