Defeated: 1857 Smoking Liberty Quarter, FS-401 Die Gouge.

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

Author	Replies: 6 / Views: 641
Brandmeister Pillar of the Community United States 6535 Posts	Posted 10/18/2025 1:07 pm I spotted this variety up for auction with no attribution. This is the 1857 Quarter (Seated Liberty) with the FS-401 die gouge, nicknamed the "Smoking Liberty" quarter. There were many watchers and I was a casual bidder, so I wasn't able to pick this variety. The coin sold for $95. I thought it would be good to capture the pictures, though. The coin looks harshly cleaned and also has a few larger scratches, so I don't imagine it would straight grade. Edited by Brandmeister 10/18/2025 1:08 pm Report this Post to the Staff

igwt79 Pillar of the Community United States 1465 Posts	Posted 10/18/2025 1:39 pm Never saw that before... pretty cool! I agree it does look harshly cleaned though. Report this Post to the Staff
ArrowsAndRays Pillar of the Community United States 1660 Posts	Posted 10/18/2025 2:25 pm Good eye. Shame about the harsh cleaning. Report this Post to the Staff
Brandmeister Pillar of the Community United States 6535 Posts	Posted 10/18/2025 2:55 pm I find it interesting that people are so enamored with unusual die gouges on coins. Smoking Liberty, Wounded Eagle, Speared Bison—folks will really pay up for what is basically just a fortuitously placed die scratch. Report this Post to the Staff
Greasy Fingers Pillar of the Community United States 7049 Posts	Posted 10/19/2025 12:45 am Harshing cleaned with graffitti ( looks like an X scribed into field, left of ladys' head) Bought once now I stay clear from this seller. Report this Post to the Staff
jbuck Moderator United States 188952 Posts	Posted 10/19/2025 1:45 pm Nice example! Coin Collector Since 1978 Avatar Old Avatar 7070 Eisenhower Australia Canada World CCF Members on eBay CCF eBay Search Engine Report this Post to the Staff
Dearborn Moderator United States 96800 Posts	Posted 10/20/2025 1:48 pm Smoking liberty, huh? hadn't heard of that before. Collecting since 1972. Learning from then on "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin 7070 type set coin count: 51/76 Uncirculated American Silver Eagles My American Silver Eagle Proof Collection Sacagawea Dollars Innovation Dollars Eisenhower-Dollars Kennedy-Half Dollars Washington-Quarters Roosevelt-Dimes Buffalo-Nickels 1938-2005 Jefferson-Nickels Lincoln-Cents Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 6 / Views: 641

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

All Forums Category: US Coins and Currency Forums Forum: US Classic and Colonial Variety and Error Coins

The First Dollar, your premier source for bullion and rare coins. See our bullion list on the site and the coin inventory on ebay.

Silver Gold Bull US is the United States leading bullion dealer. We deliver gold coins, gold bars, silver coins, silver bars and precious metals to your door. Order today!

View Last 100 Active Topics

Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2026 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited.
Contact Us | Advertise Here | Privacy Policy / Terms of Use

Coin Community Forum

It took 0.26 seconds to rattle this change.