My Deep Dive into Seated Liberty Quarter Types: Red Book vs. PCGS Guidance

Putting together a Seated Liberty quarter type set recently reminded me how differently numismatic references approach classifications. I kept running into mismatches between the Red Book and PCGS CoinFacts – not on values, but on what actually counts as a distinct type. After sorting through this myself, I thought I’d share what worked for me.

Red Book vs. PCGS: Where They Differ

Comparing these two standards was eye-opening. The Red Book, our trusty numismatic companion, sorts Seated quarters into five or six buckets based mainly on motto status and those arrow/ray combinations. Meanwhile, PCGS pays special attention to drapery details and date breaks. Here’s how they stack up:

• Red Book Approach: Follows motto and arrow/ray changes: Type 1 (No Motto, 1838-1853, 1856-1865), Type 2 (Arrows & Rays, 1853 only), Type 3 (Arrows without rays, 1854-1855), Type 4 (With Motto, 1866-1873, 1875-1891), Type 5 (Arrows at Date, 1873-1874), and occasionally a sixth type for Motto with arrows.
• PCGS Approach: Highlights drapery differences: Type 1 (No Drapery, 1838-1840), Type 2 (No Motto with drapery, 1840-1865), Type 3 (Arrows & Rays, 1853), Type 4 (Arrows alone, 1854-1855), Type 5 (With Motto, 1866-1891), and Type 6 (Motto with Arrows at Date, 1873-1874).

That “No Drapery” type PCGS includes? The Red Book skips it entirely – which really matters when you’re trying to complete a set consistently.

What Actually Defines a Type?

Through trial and error, I landed on five elements that shape these classifications. Your choices here will steer your entire collection:

• Motto Presence: That “In God We Trust” addition creates a clear split, especially for Red Book purists
• Drapery Details: PCGS makes a big deal about those early drapery-free coins (1838-1840)
• Arrows and Rays: Whether they appear together (1853) or separately (1854-1855) creates subtypes
• Weight Changes: The 1853 reduction and 1873 increase affect rarity, even if they don’t always define types
• Date Ranges: Debates still simmer about coins like 1873-1874 – are they distinct or just motto variations?

You could stick to just a couple of these to keep things manageable, but including more elements makes for a richer set.

Building Your Set Without the Headaches

Here’s what saved me time and frustration: Pick one system as your foundation – PCGS if you prefer clear lines, Red Book if you want tradition. If you’re filling a Dansco album or building a registry set, their structures will dictate your approach. But some of my favorite collections? They color outside the lines. I added PCGS’s “No Drapery” to my Red Book-based set because it felt right. When uncertain, I cross-check with NGC Coin Explorer. And don’t overlook gems like the 1853-O Arrows & Rays – that one’s the crown jewel in my holder for its sheer historical presence.

How I Collect Now

I’ve made peace with mixing approaches. My set borrows from both systems, with slabs from PCGS and NGC for grading consistency. These days, I care more about a coin’s eye appeal and story than checking every rulebook box. Isn’t that why we collect? When evaluating coins, I always check drapery and motto details for wear, and I’m careful with dates like 1873-1874 to prevent overlap. Whether you follow Red Book, PCGS, or your own system, build something that speaks to you. That’s what makes a collection worth keeping.