Semi-Numismatic

1877-S Liberty Seated Quarter Fine

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In 1877, the San Francisco Mint produced a significant run of silver quarters featuring one of the most enduring motifs in American coinage. This piece, struck in 90% fine silver, carries a fractional metal content of 0.1788 troy ounces. Having survived decades of circulation, it remains a tangible artifact of the late nineteenth century, classified under the pre-1933 era of United States currency. The obverse presents the classic Seated Liberty design created by Christian Gobrecht. Lady Liberty is depicted resting on a rock, holding a staff topped with a liberty cap in one hand, while her other hand supports a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Below this central figure, the year 1877 is clearly visible. On the reverse, an eagle is depicted with wings spread, clutching a bundle of three arrows and an olive branch in its talons. A shield is positioned over the eagle's chest, mirroring the design on the obverse. The legend surrounding the eagle reads UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, while the denomination is indicated at the bottom. Positioned just below the eagle is the distinct S mint mark, denoting its origin from the San Francisco facility, which produced nearly nine million of these quarters.