1877-S 25C Liberty Seated Quarter PCGS MS64 (CAC)

Here’s an original, well-struck example of the classic Liberty Seated quarter design. PCGS has graded 105 as MS64 with 76 finer. Collector’s Universe prices this issue at $1,050.00 in MS64. In CAC, there are 12 in MS64 with 21 finer. CAC gives this issue a price of $875.00 in MS64.

 Christian Gobrecht, who is credited with creating the popular Seated Liberty design. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

Today, many collectors believe that the Seated Liberty design was solely the work of U.S. Mint Engraver Christian Gobrecht. That motif, however, represented a blending of sketches created by artists Thomas Sully and Titian Peale. They, in turn, were based on a concept by U.S. Mint Director Robert M. Patterson, who was inspired by English and French depictions of the allegorical figure, especially Britannia on British coinage.

Additionally, Robert Ball Hughes was brought in to make adjustments to the design. Writes Don Taxay in his 1966 book The U.S. Mint and Coinage, “In 1840, the Director commissioned the eminent Anglo-American sculptor Robert Ball Hughes to perfect the device, and the artist complied by lowering the relief, refining the proportions and dynamics of the figure, and adding a graceful fold of drapery from the right elbow.”