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The Seated Liberty Quarter of 1891 is an emblematic piece of late 19th-century American numismatics, representing both the artistic and technical standards of the era. This coin is a product of a period marked by significant economic development and transformation in the United States. As part of the Seated Liberty series, the 1891 Quarter showcases the continuation of Christian Gobrecht’s design legacy and reflects the coinage practices of the time. The coin’s design, minting details, and condition provide valuable insights into its historical and numismatic context.
The design of the 1891 Seated Liberty Quarter is attributed to Christian Gobrecht, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint from 1840 until his death in 1844. Although Gobrecht's tenure ended before this coin was produced, his designs remained influential in American coinage. The obverse of the coin features a portrayal of Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield in her left hand and a liberty pole topped with a cap in her right hand. This depiction symbolizes strength, protection, and freedom. The date “1891” is positioned directly below Liberty, while the inscriptions “LIBERTY” on the shield and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircle the coin’s edge. The reverse side of the coin showcases a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows. The eagle is surrounded by a ribbon bearing the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the denomination “QUARTER DOLLAR” is inscribed below. The design is characterized by its neoclassical style, reflecting the artistic tastes and symbolic values of the late 19th century.
The 1891 Seated Liberty Quarter was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the principal minting facility for the U.S. Mint system during the 19th century. The Philadelphia Mint played a central role in the production and distribution of U.S. coinage, making it a key player in the early American monetary system. The mintage of the 1891 Seated Liberty Quarter was approximately 3,048,000 coins. This substantial production volume reflects the coin’s importance in daily transactions and its role in the broader economic context of the period. The large mintage indicates that the 1891 Seated Liberty Quarter was widely circulated, contributing significantly to the monetary system of the late 19th century. The coin’s production at the Philadelphia Mint underscores the facility’s central role in the creation and distribution of American currency.
In terms of condition, a Very Fine (VF) grade for the 1891 Seated Liberty Quarter indicates that the coin shows moderate wear while retaining most of its design details. In Very Fine condition, the coin will exhibit noticeable wear on the highest points, but the central design elements and inscriptions will remain clear and well-defined. Liberty’s features, including the cap and the shield, will be visible with only minor wear and smoothing. The details of the eagle on the reverse will be distinct, though there may be slight flattening of the high-relief areas. The coin’s surface will display signs of circulation wear, such as light scratches, small areas of wear, and minor abrasions, but the overall design remains sharp and recognizable. The date “1891” and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR” will be readable, providing essential information about the coin’s origin and denomination. Very Fine examples of the 1891 Seated Liberty Quarter are highly valued by collectors for their well-preserved details and their representation of late 19th-century American numismatics.
The 1891 Seated Liberty Quarter is a significant piece in the history of U.S. coinage, offering valuable insights into the artistic and technical standards of its time. The coin’s design, minting history, and condition all contribute to its importance and appeal. As a product of the Philadelphia Mint and a continuation of Christian Gobrecht’s design legacy, the 1891 Seated Liberty Quarter represents a key moment in American coinage. Collectors and historians appreciate this coin for its historical context, its role in the evolution of U.S. coinage, and its representation of the artistry and technical standards of the late 19th century. Despite its wear, the 1891 Seated Liberty Quarter remains a cherished item for those who value the rich heritage of American numismatics and the nuances of its historical development.