1856

Philadelphia struck 7,264,000 quarters in 1856 on the 6.22 gram weight standard from the Coinage Act of February 21, 1853, but with the arrows at the date removed for the first time since the redesign. The reverse field had already shed its rays in 1854, and 1856 closes the loop by dropping the arrows as well, restoring the standard Seated Liberty form that would run essentially unchanged through the early 1860s before the motto was added in 1866. The lighter weight remained in force, which is why no design flag was retained: the bullion crisis had passed, the older 6.68 gram coins had largely been pulled from commerce, and the marker symbols were no longer needed to distinguish standards on the street.

Strike quality on 1856 Philadelphia coins is generally strong, with sharp obverse stars, full head detail on early die strikes, and crisp leg feathers on the eagle. Late-die-state coins show the usual softness at the central shield and at the head, but die-state-related weakness on this issue is mild compared with the New Orleans counterpart of the same year. Authentication is straightforward: no arrows at the date, no rays on the reverse, no mintmark below the eagle. PCGS and NGC population data shows abundant supply in circulated grades through Mint State, with MS62 through MS64 examples available at reasonable prices and MS65 coins selective; MS66 and higher pieces are condition rarities that command meaningful premiums when fresh original-skin pieces appear.

The coin carries the Regular classification and serves as the most accessible Philadelphia entry for a date-set collector working from the post-Arrows reset through the pre-Motto years. A problem-free XF or AU is a normal pickup at modest cost, and Mint State acquisition is realistic for most collectors at the MS62 through MS64 level. Buy certified by PCGS or NGC if pursuing MS65 or higher, prioritize light original toning over harsh dipped surfaces, and treat the 1856 as the anchor for any 1856 through 1860 Philadelphia run. For the broader story of Gobrecht's design, the 1853 Coinage Act and Arrows transition, and the series' production arc, see the Seated Liberty Quarter series history.