1841 Quarter Error List with Pictures

The mintmark tells you where to look for doubling on an 1841 quarter. New Orleans examples show it on the front, while a Philadelphia doubled-back example sold for $21,600 in May 2023.

This 1841 quarter error list brings both patterns together, with estimated whole-coin ranges of $95–$25,000 across the conditions discussed. The high end reflects exceptional preservation, not every doubled letter.

Check the mintmark first, then follow the correct design details below.

1841 Liberty Seated Quarter Doubled Designs from Philadelphia and New Orleans

The New Orleans pattern repeats lines in Liberty’s shield and details of the first two stars. The Philadelphia pattern instead shows strong extra outlines around the eagle-side lettering.

Each came from a doubled die, a stamping tool carrying a repeated design. The coin did not have to receive a second blow for those extra outlines to appear.

The Philadelphia example is cataloged as Briggs 1-A or Flynn DDR-001. The New Orleans coin needs its own comparison.

Weak hair and softly struck stars often accompany the New Orleans variety. That missing sharpness is separate from the repeated shield and star details.

Estimated Value

For the New Orleans variety, estimate $95–$1,000 across worn through lower unworn grades. Original surfaces can be more desirable than cleaned or corroded pieces with similar detail.

Philadelphia doubled-back quarters span an estimated $150–$25,000 from worn to exceptional examples. Heritage sold the PCGS MS66 coin for $21,600 on May 3, 2023.

MS66 describes an unworn coin with very few marks. Its whole-coin price reflects that unusually fine preservation alongside the doubled lettering.

How to Identify

Find the mintmark beneath the eagle: O means New Orleans, while Philadelphia has none. Then place the coin upright before choosing the face to examine.

For an O coin, use a magnifier on Liberty’s shield lines and the first two stars counted from the lower left. Compare with the illustrated New Orleans variety rather than judging weak hair or dark edges.

For Philadelphia, follow the lettering around the eagle and compare its extra outlines with the Briggs 1-A example. Photograph several neighboring letters so the repeated pattern stays visible.

Flat shelves can result from movement during striking, while wear merely rounds edges. Look for the matching raised repetition in the shield and stars or the reverse letters, according to the mint.

 

Conclusion

Estimated values of $95–$25,000 separate ordinary worn examples from an exceptionally preserved doubled-back Philadelphia quarter. The two mints offer different places to begin your inspection.

On New Orleans coins, compare the shield and first two stars. On Philadelphia coins, examine the reverse lettering, and judge the coin’s surface condition alongside the repeated design before drawing a price comparison.