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The Certified 1876 Seated Liberty Quarter graded XF45 by NGC represents a highly collectible piece of 19th-century American coinage issued during the centennial year of the United States. This coin is part of the long-running Seated Liberty Quarter series, which spanned from 1838 to 1891 and underwent several design changes over its lifetime. The 1876 issue is a particularly meaningful coin as it coincided with the nation's 100th anniversary and the celebration of the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this example captures both the artistry of the era and the patriotic sentiment of a maturing nation. Its XF45 grade by NGC indicates a lightly circulated coin with considerable remaining detail and strong overall eye appeal, making it a desirable acquisition for collectors of U.S. type or date sets.
The obverse of the 1876 Seated Liberty Quarter features the iconic image of Liberty seated on a rock, facing left, holding a pole with a liberty cap in her left hand and a shield resting at her side in her right hand. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed across the diagonal band of the shield, while thirteen stars representing the original colonies circle the upper perimeter. The date “1876” is positioned below the rock at the bottom of the coin. On this Extra Fine 45 example, Liberty’s figure is well-defined with distinct folds in the gown, a clearly outlined liberty cap, and legible shield inscription. Minor wear is present on the high points, such as Liberty’s knee, chest, and the upper hand, but the overall details remain sharply struck and highly visible. The coin exhibits natural silver patina and retains a pleasing balance between circulation character and numismatic beauty.
The reverse design showcases a powerful heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left. A shield is superimposed on the eagle’s chest, symbolizing defense and protection. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUAR. DOL.” encircle the design. On this XF45 specimen, the eagle’s wing feathers are mostly intact, the talons are distinct, and the olive leaves and arrows are easily identifiable. Wear is noticeable on the eagle’s breast and upper wing edges but remains light enough to preserve the reverse’s crisp detail. The rim and denticles are complete, and the legends are fully legible, further supporting the high-end circulated grade.
The 1876 Seated Liberty Quarter was produced at three different mints: Philadelphia (no mintmark), San Francisco (“S”), and Carson City (“CC”). This particular example, bearing no mintmark, was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which produced 17,816,000 Seated Liberty Quarters in 1876—the highest mintage of any single year in the entire Seated Quarter series. Despite the high mintage, most surviving examples today are found in lower circulated grades due to extensive use in commerce during the post-Civil War recovery period. XF45 examples such as this one are significantly scarcer and more desirable, particularly when certified by a leading grading service like NGC.
One interesting aspect of the 1876 quarter is its symbolic place in American history. The Centennial Exposition, held in Philadelphia, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Coins dated 1876, particularly those minted in Philadelphia, are frequently collected as historical mementos of this national milestone. The Seated Liberty design—rooted in neoclassical ideals and evoking Roman republicanism—was especially fitting for this commemorative spirit. The design’s use on dimes, quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars helped visually unify U.S. coinage during an era when the nation sought to assert its cultural and economic strength on the world stage.
The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing approximately 6.25 grams with a diameter of 24.3 mm. The reeded edge and precision strike, typical of Philadelphia Mint production, helped ensure durability during circulation. By the time of the 1876 issue, steam-powered coining presses had allowed the Mint to produce coins with sharper detail and more consistent quality, which is evident even in circulated specimens like this XF45. The coin’s silver content also lent it intrinsic value during a period when specie-backed currency played an important role in rebuilding public confidence in American money following the economic turmoil of the Civil War and the Panic of 1873.
Christian Gobrecht’s Seated Liberty design, first introduced in the late 1830s, had by 1876 become a familiar and enduring emblem of American ideals. Its classical presentation of Liberty—as strong, composed, and alert—reflected a nation still grounded in its founding principles, yet confidently progressing toward industrial maturity. The reverse eagle design also conveyed a message of strength and peace through its balanced depiction of defensive arrows and the peaceful olive branch. The 1876 quarter, coming at the midpoint of the Gilded Age, bridged the historical divide between antebellum coinage and the more modern coinage styles that would emerge in the following decades.
NGC’s assignment of the XF45 grade to this coin places it near the upper end of the circulated spectrum. Extra Fine coins exhibit light overall wear, typically confined to the highest parts of the design, while maintaining nearly all of the original devices and a strong sense of detail. The 45 designation within the XF range suggests the coin borders on the About Uncirculated level, with only slightly more wear than a typical XF40. For collectors seeking a well-detailed, eye-appealing, and certified example of a key historical date, XF45 represents an excellent value—especially when enhanced by the NGC holder’s protection and authenticity guarantee.
Among collectors, the 1876 Seated Liberty Quarter is often pursued for its significance as a one-year commemorative proxy, its beautiful design, and its strong association with American national identity. XF45 examples occupy the sweet spot between affordability and aesthetic quality, providing most of the coin’s artistic detail without the premium associated with Mint State grades. Certified examples like this one are especially attractive for type set builders, 19th-century enthusiasts, and silver coin collectors seeking tangible links to America’s centennial history.
In conclusion, the Certified 1876 Seated Liberty Quarter graded XF45 by NGC is a highly desirable coin that combines historical importance, refined classical design, and solid collectible condition. As a product of the centennial year, it serves not only as currency but as a patriotic artifact—marking 100 years of American independence with grace and strength. Its well-preserved details, balanced wear, and third-party certification make it a sound and meaningful addition to any U.S. coin collection, especially for those who appreciate the symbolism and craftsmanship of post-Civil War numismatics.