Where to Get the Best Price for Your Type B Reverse Quarters: eBay or Coin Shows?

The venue you choose to sell your item can drastically affect your net profit. Let’s compare the modern digital market to traditional dealer bourse floors.

I’ve spent years buying and selling Washington quarters as an online dealer — and I can tell you from hard experience that where you sell matters just as much as what you sell. The Type B reverse quarters, struck from 1956 through 1964, occupy a fascinating niche in the numismatic world. They’re die variety collectibles common enough for beginners to pursue, yet rare enough in high grades to command serious premiums. Whether you’re looking to sell a 1956 Type B in MS66 or a run of 1959–60 examples pulled from mint sets, understanding the pros and cons of eBay versus coin shows is essential to maximizing your return.

In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know — from eBay’s fee structure and coin show etiquette to dealer buy prices, liquidity considerations, and the role of online reputation — so you can make an informed decision the next time you’re ready to part with your Type B reverse quarters.

Understanding the Type B Reverse Quarter Market

Before we compare selling venues, it’s worth understanding exactly what we’re dealing with. The Type B reverse Washington quarters were produced at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints between 1956 and 1964. They’re characterized by specific die markers on the reverse — most notably the shape and positioning of the eagle’s tail feathers, the crossbar on the “E” in “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the details of the olive branch and arrows.

For years, these varieties went unrecognized by the major third-party grading services (TPGS), including PCGS and NGC. That means many high-grade examples still circulate unattributed, waiting for a knowledgeable buyer to cherrypick them. The numismatic value of these pieces often hides in plain sight, tucked away in bulk lots and bargain boxes.

I’ve heard it all from fellow collectors. One forum member set aside 22 examples spanning 1956 to 1963, all culled from bulk silver purchases. Another has been actively pursuing Type Bs since 2007, making a large percentage of the 1966s and several 1967s from a single roll of 1956 Washington quarters. These stories underscore an important point: the Type B reverse quarter market is driven by passionate, detail-oriented collectors who know exactly what they’re looking for. That passion translates directly into pricing — and it’s a key factor in deciding where to sell.

The 1956 Type B is widely regarded as the key date and the most difficult to find in high grades. Forum members consistently report searching for years to locate a ’56 in desirable condition. Meanwhile, the 1959 and 1960 Type Bs are relatively common in mint sets, making them more accessible to new collectors. The 1964 Type C reverse is another tough variety that collectors pursue alongside the Type Bs. Understanding this supply-and-demand dynamic — the rare variety appeal of some dates versus the commonality of others — is critical when evaluating offers from dealers or setting prices online.

eBay Fees: The Hidden Cost of Digital Selling

eBay has become the default marketplace for many coin sellers, and for good reason — it offers access to a global audience of collectors. But the fees can eat into your profits more than you might expect.

Breaking Down the Fee Structure

As of my most recent experience selling on eBay, the platform charges the following:

• Insertion fees: Typically waived for sellers with a Store subscription, but casual sellers may pay per listing.
• Final value fees: Approximately 13.25% to 15% of the total sale amount (including shipping) for most collectibles categories.
• Payment processing fees: Managed payments add roughly 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.
• Optional listing upgrades: Bold titles, gallery plus, and featured listings can add $0.50 to $10+ per listing.

When you add it all up, a seller can easily lose 18–20% of the gross sale price to fees and processing costs. For a $50 Type B quarter, that’s $10 gone before you’ve even shipped the coin. That stings.

For higher-value examples — say, a PCGS MS66 1956 Type B that might fetch $300 or more — the fee structure becomes somewhat more favorable on a percentage basis. But the absolute dollar amount is still significant. Every percentage point matters when you’re trying to squeeze maximum profit from a rare variety.

The Attribution Advantage on eBay

One area where eBay truly shines for Type B reverse quarters is the ability to reach collectors who specifically search for attributed varieties. As one forum member shared, they bought an unattributed coin on eBay with poor pictures, took a chance, and had it successfully attributed after purchase. This is a common scenario — many Type B quarters still circulate without proper attribution because PCGS and NGC didn’t recognize the variety for years.

Savvy eBay sellers who know how to properly photograph and describe these die markers can command a real premium from collectors hunting for unattributed examples. The provenance of a coin — its story, its discovery — adds to its collectibility, and eBay is the perfect venue to tell that story to a wide audience.

However, this also means that good photography and accurate descriptions are non-negotiable. Poor pictures can lead to returns, negative feedback, and disputes — all of which cost you time and money. I always recommend using high-resolution images that clearly show the reverse die markers, including close-ups of the eagle’s tail feathers and the “E” crossbar. Show off that luster and any attractive patina — eye appeal sells coins.

Coin Show Etiquette: Navigating the Bourse Floor

Selling at a coin show is a fundamentally different experience from listing items online. The bourse floor is a social environment with its own unwritten rules, and understanding them can make the difference between a profitable day and a frustrating one.

Approaching Dealers as a Seller

If you’re bringing Type B reverse quarters to a coin show to sell, keep these guidelines in mind:

1. Don’t approach dealers during peak hours. Saturday mornings are the busiest times on the bourse floor. Wait until afternoon lulls or Sunday mornings when dealers have more time to evaluate your coins.
2. Have your coins organized and accessible. Dealers appreciate sellers who present their inventory neatly — whether in flips, 2×2 holders, or display cases. A disorganized pile of loose quarters signals amateurism and will likely result in lower offers.
3. Know your coins before you arrive. Be prepared to explain why your 1956 Type B is worth more than a common-date quarter. Reference the specific die markers, the TPG attribution (if applicable), and recent comparable sales. Confidence backed by knowledge earns respect.
4. Be realistic about pricing. Dealers need to make a profit. Expect offers of 60–75% of retail value at best, and be prepared to negotiate.
5. Don’t take low offers personally. A dealer’s buy price reflects their overhead, their customer base, and their assessment of how quickly they can resell the coin. It’s business, not an insult to your collection.

The Relationship Factor

One of the most underappreciated aspects of selling at coin shows is the relationship you build with dealers over time. As someone who did shows full-time for years, I can tell you that dealers remember reliable sellers. If you consistently bring quality material — properly attributed Type B quarters, accurately graded examples, coins with strong eye appeal and mint-condition luster — you’ll find that dealers seek you out and offer better prices.

This relationship capital has real dollar value, but it takes time to build. I’ve watched collectors transform from one-time sellers into trusted sources simply by showing up, being honest, and bringing well-presented coins to the table. It’s one of the genuine pleasures of this hobby.

Dealer Buy Prices: What to Expect

Understanding how dealers arrive at their buy prices is essential for setting realistic expectations.

The Dealer’s Perspective

When a dealer evaluates your Type B reverse quarters, they consider several factors:

• Liquidity: How quickly can they resell the coin? Common-date Type Bs in lower grades (1959, 1960) move faster than key dates like the 1956.
• Grade and eye appeal: A PCGS MS66 1956 Type B with attractive toning will command a higher buy price than a dull, mark-laden example in the same grade. Strike quality matters too — a sharp, well-defined die variety with full detail always stands out.
• Attribution status: Properly attributed examples from PCGS, NGC, or CACG are easier to resell than raw coins. As one collector noted, ICG is the only major TPG that may still attribute Type B reverse quarters without a customer request — a useful tidbit for sellers considering which service to use.
• Current market demand: If a particular date is “hot” — perhaps because a registry set collector is actively searching — dealers may pay a premium.

Typical Buy Price Ranges

While prices fluctuate, here are some general guidelines based on my experience:

• Common-date Type Bs (1959–1964) in AU to MS63: Dealers typically pay $5–$15, depending on eye appeal and attribution.
• Common-date Type Bs in MS64–MS65: Expect $15–$50 from dealers, with properly fetching examples on the higher end.
• 1956 Type B in MS65: This is where things get interesting. Dealers may pay $75–$150 for a nice ’56 in 65, but the coin could retail for $200–$300+ online.
• 1956 Type B in MS66: A properly graded MS66 example might fetch $250–$400 from a dealer, while the retail market could support $500–$800 or more.

The spread between dealer buy prices and retail is significant. That gap is exactly why many collectors choose to sell online despite the fees and effort involved. If you have the patience and the know-how, the extra margin is almost always worth pursuing.

Liquidity: How Fast Can You Turn Coins into Cash?

Liquidity — the speed and ease with which you can convert your coins into cash — is one of the most important factors in choosing a selling venue.

eBay Liquidity

eBay offers relatively high liquidity for Type B reverse quarters, especially for properly attributed examples. The platform’s search functionality allows collectors to find exactly what they’re looking for, and the auction format can create competitive bidding that drives prices above retail. I’ve seen bidding wars break out over a nicely toned 1956 Type B in MS66 — it’s a thrill to watch.

But liquidity on eBay is not instantaneous. A typical listing runs for 3–7 days, and you may need to relist items that don’t sell the first time. Payment processing through eBay’s managed payments system typically takes 1–2 business days after the sale, and you’ll need to factor in shipping time as well.

For common-date Type Bs in lower grades, eBay liquidity is excellent — these coins sell quickly and reliably. For high-grade key dates like the 1956 Type B in MS66, liquidity is more limited. The pool of collectors willing to pay top dollar for a single coin is smaller, and you may need to wait longer for the right buyer. Patience pays, but it doesn’t pay immediately.

Coin Show Liquidity

Coin shows offer the highest liquidity of any selling venue. Walk onto the bourse floor with a properly attributed 1956 Type B in MS66, and you can potentially sell it within hours — sometimes within minutes if you approach the right dealer. The tradeoff is price: dealers will pay less because they need to resell at a profit. But if your priority is immediate cash, the coin show is hard to beat.

One important caveat: coin show liquidity depends heavily on the show. A major regional or national show with dozens of dealers will offer far better liquidity than a small local show with a handful of tables. I always recommend selling high-profile pieces at larger shows where competition among dealers drives buy prices up. More dealers means more bids, and more bids means better prices for you.

Online Reputation: Your Most Valuable Asset

Whether you’re selling on eBay, your own website, or through online forums, your reputation as a seller is arguably your most valuable asset.

Building Trust with Buyers

In the world of die variety collecting — where subtle die markers distinguish a valuable Type B reverse from a common quarter — trust is everything. Buyers need to believe that your attributions are accurate, your grading is honest, and your descriptions are complete. Here’s how to build that trust:

• Photograph everything thoroughly. Include both obverse and reverse images, with close-ups of the key die markers. Use consistent lighting and a neutral background. Let the luster and patina speak for themselves.
• Attribute accurately. If you’re selling a raw coin as a Type B reverse, be certain of your identification. Misattributed coins lead to returns, negative feedback, and a damaged reputation. When in doubt, get it certified first.
• Grade conservatively. Overgrading is the fastest way to lose credibility in the numismatic community. When in doubt, grade down. Buyers who receive a coin that exceeds their expectations become repeat customers.
• Respond promptly to questions. Collectors researching Type B reverse quarters often have specific questions about die markers, mint marks, and attribution details. Fast, knowledgeable responses build confidence and close sales.
• Honor your return policy. A fair return policy signals that you stand behind your material. On eBay, a 30-day return window is standard and expected. It’s a small cost that pays enormous dividends in trust.

The Long-Term Value of Reputation

I’ve seen online dealers build six-figure businesses on the strength of their reputation alone. A seller with 1,000+ positive feedback on eBay, a well-maintained website, and active participation in numismatic forums can command premiums of 10–20% over anonymous sellers. For Type B reverse quarters specifically, collectors are willing to pay more when they trust the seller’s attribution and grading.

Conversely, I’ve also seen sellers destroy their reputation overnight by misrepresenting a coin, shipping without proper packaging, or failing to respond to buyer concerns. In the small world of die variety collecting, word travels fast. Your reputation is built coin by coin — guard it carefully.

Hybrid Strategies: Getting the Best of Both Worlds

The smartest sellers I know don’t limit themselves to a single venue. Instead, they use a hybrid approach that maximizes both price and liquidity.

My Recommended Approach

Here’s the strategy I recommend for selling Type B reverse quarters:

1. Sell high-value key dates online. A 1956 Type B in MS66 or better belongs on eBay or a specialty auction platform where registry set collectors will compete for it. The premium you can command online — especially for mint-condition examples with strong eye appeal — far outweighs the fees.
2. Sell common-date examples at coin shows. Common-date Type Bs in AU to MS64 don’t justify the time and expense of online selling. Bundle them by date or grade and sell them to dealers at shows for quick cash.
3. Use coin shows to build dealer relationships. Even if you primarily sell online, attending shows allows you to meet dealers face-to-face, learn about current market trends, and develop contacts who may become future buyers. These relationships are an investment.
4. List unattributed examples on eBay. As multiple forum members have demonstrated, unattributed Type B quarters can be found on eBay at bargain prices. If you’re a skilled cherrypicker, buying unattributed and then submitting for attribution can be a profitable strategy — and one that’s best executed through online platforms.
5. Monitor both markets continuously. Prices for die varieties can shift quickly based on new discoveries, population report changes, and registry competition. Stay active on forums, monitor eBay sold listings, and talk to dealers at shows to stay informed. Knowledge is profit.

The Role of Third-Party Grading Services

No discussion of selling Type B reverse quarters is complete without addressing the role of TPGS. As forum members have noted, PCGS and NGC didn’t recognize the Type B reverse variety for years, which means many examples still circulate unattributed. This creates both opportunities and challenges for sellers.

Which Services to Use

• PCGS: The most widely recognized and respected TPG. A PCGS-attributed Type B will command the highest premium but may take longer to process. For key dates like the 1956, the PCGS name adds undeniable collectibility.
• NGC: Nearly equal to PCGS in prestige, with a strong following among Washington quarter specialists. Their holders are familiar and trusted on the bourse floor and online alike.
• CACG: A newer entrant that has gained significant traction, particularly among collectors who appreciate their strict grading standards. One forum member shared a 1957 Type B in MS66 CACG — a beautiful example of the variety in a modern holder.
• ANACS: Known for accurate variety attribution at a lower cost. One collector has two 1958 Type B quarters both certified by ANACS, in both old and new holders. For budget-conscious sellers, ANACS offers solid value.
• ICG: As noted by forum members, ICG may attribute Type B reverse quarters without a customer request, which can be advantageous — though ICG-certified coins typically command slightly lower prices than PCGS or NGC equivalents.

For sellers, the key takeaway is that attribution matters. A properly attributed Type B reverse quarter will always sell faster and for more money than an unattributed example of identical quality. The cost of grading — typically $20–$50 per coin depending on the service and turnaround time — is almost always worthwhile for coins in MS64 and above. Think of it as an investment in the coin’s provenance and your own credibility as a seller.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Venue for Your Type B Reverse Quarters

The Type B reverse Washington quarters represent one of the most accessible and rewarding die variety series in American numismatics. Spanning just nine years (1956–1964), the set is achievable for most collectors, with the 1956 standing as the key date that tests even the most dedicated cherrypicker. Whether you’ve culled 22 examples from bulk silver purchases, searched through mint sets, or bought raw coins on eBay and submitted them for attribution, these quarters carry both historical significance and tangible market value.

When it comes to selling, there is no single “best” venue — only the best venue for your specific coins at this specific time. High-grade key dates like the 1956 Type B in MS66 belong in the hands of collectors who will appreciate them and pay accordingly, which means online platforms with broad reach. Common-date examples in lower grades are better suited to the quick liquidity of the bourse floor. And unattributed examples — the hidden gems that knowledgeable buyers love to discover — are perfect for eBay listings aimed at the cherrypicking community.

As someone who has bought and sold these varieties for years, my advice is straightforward: know your coins, know your market, and choose the venue that aligns with your goals. If you want maximum profit, invest the time in online selling with proper photography and attribution. If you want immediate cash, bring your coins to a major show and negotiate with multiple dealers. And if you want to build a lasting presence in this hobby, invest in your online reputation — because in the world of die variety collecting, trust is the most valuable currency of all.

Whatever path you choose, the Type B reverse quarters are a wonderful series to buy, sell, and collect. They connect us to a fascinating chapter in U.S. minting history, they challenge our eyes and our knowledge, and they remind us that sometimes the most valuable treasures are hiding in plain sight — in a roll of quarters, a mint set, or a dealer’s bargain box at the local coin show.

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