The Seated Liberty Quarter was minted from 1838 to 1891. The coin was minted in Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco and Carson City. The coin features Liberty seated upon a rock while wearing a flowing dress. Her left hand holds a pole with a liberty cap on top. Her right hand rests on a striped shield with the word LIBERTY inscribed on it.
The reverse of the coin features an eagle about to take flight. Another striped shield is featured on the eagle's breast. In the right talon is an olive branch and in the left talon is a bunch of arrows. Above the eagle "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" is inscribed. QUARTER was inscribed below the eagle.
There were a few changes to the Seated Liberty Quarter during its mintage. In 1853, rays of light were added around the eagle. This change only lasted for one year. In 1866, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was added to the top of the coin above the eagle. This change lasted through 1891.
