Red Book vs. PCGS: My Guide to Seated Liberty Quarter Type Sets

I’ve been deep in the trenches of building a Seated Liberty Quarter Type Set recently, and boy, did I hit a snag when comparing the Red Book and PCGS classifications. It’s not about pricing—both are solid references—but about how they define “types” for collectors like us. Here’s what I discovered through my research and a bit of trial-and-error.

Spotting the Key Differences

When I laid out the Red Book and PCGS lists side by side, the variations jumped out. The Red Book keeps it streamlined with five or six types, focusing on motto, arrows, and rays. PCGS, on the other hand, adds a layer by separating “No Drapery” as its own type, which makes the list a bit more detailed. Here’s a quick comparison based on what I saw:

• Red Book Approach: Groups coins into types like Type 1 (No Motto, 1838-1853, 1856-1865), Type 2 (Arrows & Rays, 1853), and so on, with about five core types. It’s clean but skips some nuances.
• PCGS Approach: Breaks it down into six types, including a dedicated “No Drapery” for 1838-1840. This feels more precise to me, especially for highlighting key subtypes that add depth to a collection.

I found that PCGS’s inclusion of “No Drapery” is a game-changer—it acknowledges a distinct design element that the Red Book lumps in with later coins. If you’re aiming for completeness, PCGS might edge out as my go-to for clarity.

What Defines a “Type” Anyway?

This is where things get juicy. In my digging, I realized that type sets boil down to five main variables: motto (present or not), drapery (on Liberty’s arm), arrows (at the date), rays (around the eagle), and weight changes. But here’s the kicker—weight often gets overlooked as a defining factor, as it doesn’t always alter the coin’s appearance. Most collectors I’ve chatted with agree that focusing on visual elements like drapery or motto makes more sense for a type set. For instance:

• Drapery Matters: Separating “No Drapery” (1838-1840) from “With Drapery” (1840 onward) can add historical context and rarity to your set.
• Motto and Arrows: Coins like the 1853 Arrows & Rays or the 1873-1874 With Motto Arrows are must-haves for showing key design shifts.

Based on my experience, if you prioritize these visual cues, you’ll end up with six to eight types—similar to what PCGS suggests—but it’s totally flexible.

Practical Tips for Building Your Set

After wrestling with this, my big takeaway is simple: pick one system and stick to it, or go rogue and create your own. Here’s my advice:

• For Registry or Album Sets: If you’re eyeing something like the NGC registry or a Dansco album, follow their guidelines—PCGS is often more aligned here for up-to-date details.
• For Personal Collections: Don’t sweat the rules! I love the idea of adding unique coins like the 1853-O Arrows & Rays or a no-stars dime variant. It makes your set more engaging and personal.
• Grading and Sourcing: Stick with slabbed coins from PCGS or NGC for authenticity, as I did with my AU-55 1873 Arrows at Date—it saves headaches down the road.

Remember, the most captivating collections I’ve seen ignore strict frameworks and celebrate variety. It’s your hobby, so include what excites you, whether it’s a rare Briggs attribution or a common date in top grade.

Wrapping It Up

In the end, I lean toward PCGS for its detailed breakdown, but the Red Book holds its own for simplicity. Whichever you choose, the key is to enjoy the hunt and learn from each coin. I’m still filling gaps in my set, like that elusive 1853 without arrows or rays, and it’s all part of the fun. Happy collecting, and may your type set tell a story only you can write!