How to Identify the 1842-O Small Date Seated Liberty Quarter
A scarce New Orleans Mint variety with noticeably smaller, more delicate date numerals than the more common Large Date issue of the same year.
Read the full 1842-O Small Date Seated Liberty Quarter encyclopedia entry →
What the Coin Is
The 1842-O quarter was struck at the New Orleans Mint and exists in two date-size varieties: Small Date and Large Date. The Small Date variety is considerably scarcer and is thought to have used a leftover die punch carried over from the prior year's date logotype before the standard larger date punch became the norm, making it a favorite variety among specialists in the Seated Liberty series.
Obverse Design & Inscriptions
Liberty sits on a rock holding a liberty pole with a cap and a shield inscribed "LIBERTY," her elbow now showing the drapery fold introduced in 1840. Stars surround the figure, with the date below — on the Small Date variety, the numerals appear noticeably smaller and more compact than on a typical 1842-O, giving the entire date a tighter, more delicate look.
Reverse Design & Inscriptions
The reverse features an eagle with a shield on its breast, an olive branch and arrows in its talons, surrounded by "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" above and "QUARTER DOL." below. The mintmark "O" is placed below the eagle, above the denomination, in the same general location used across most Seated Liberty quarters from this mint.
Size, Weight, Metal, Edge
This coin is struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, weighs 6.68 grams, measures 24.3 mm in diameter, and has a reeded edge, matching other Seated Liberty quarters from the early 1840s.
Where to Find the Mint Mark
The "O" mintmark sits on the reverse just below the eagle and above "QUARTER DOL." Comparing the date's numeral size directly against a confirmed Large Date 1842-O example is the clearest way to identify the Small Date variety, and a side-by-side photo comparison is often the fastest method.
Telling It Apart From Similar Coins
The key comparison is Small Date versus Large Date within the same 1842-O issue — line up the numerals side by side with a reference image, paying attention to overall digit height and spacing. Also confirm the mintmark is present and reads "O," distinguishing it from the Philadelphia-struck 1842 quarter, which carries no mintmark at all and features the standard larger date style.
Judging Condition at a Glance
Examine Liberty's knee and breast and the eagle's wing feathers for wear, the typical high points on this design. Because the Small Date variety is scarce in all grades, even well-worn examples with a clear, identifiable small date are considered notable finds worth a closer look.
Authenticity Red Flags
Given the premium placed on the Small Date variety, be cautious of dates that appear to have been altered or re-cut to mimic the smaller numeral style — look for uneven digit spacing, tool marks, or a mismatched font under magnification. Also verify that the "O" mintmark shows natural, unaltered details consistent with genuine New Orleans Mint coinage of the period, since an added or re-cut mintmark is another possible red flag.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell Small Date from Large Date on this coin?
Compare the height and spacing of the date numerals directly against reference images; the Small Date variety's digits are noticeably more compact.
Where is the mintmark located?
The 'O' mintmark appears on the reverse, just below the eagle and above the words QUARTER DOL.
Is the Small Date variety harder to find than the Large Date?
Yes, the Small Date variety is considerably scarcer than the Large Date variety struck the same year.
What should I watch for regarding authenticity?
Check for signs of an altered or re-cut date meant to mimic the smaller numeral style, along with verifying the mintmark looks natural and unaltered.