Major types of US quarter dollars
Major types of US quarter dollars
Major types of US quarter dollars
Quarter dollars came in six major design types during their long tenure from 1796 through today.
Draped Bust (17961807)
The Draped Bust quarter first appeared in 1796, then promptly dropped off the scene, not to reappear until 1804. As result, there just aren't too many dates in this series, making it very easy for a collector to complete a date set. The 1796 is expensive, the 1804 is scarce, and the dates from 1805 to 1807 are easy to find.
Capped Bust (18151838)
John Reich's Capped Bust design appeared in 1807 on the half dollars, but because no quarter dollars were minted between 1807 and 1815, the design was several years late in coming to the quarter dollar. Most dates in this series are common, but there is one standout the 1827. This classic rarity was struck only in proof, then was struck again many years later using an 1819 reverse!
Seated Liberty (18381891)
The Seated Liberty quarter dollar series is full of low-mintage dates, interesting varieties, and affordable dates. Interesting coins in this series include the 1853 arrows and rays, the extremely rare 1873-CC, and varieties like the 1877-S (in which the mintmark was first punched into the coin sideways!). If you're looking for a fun, challenging series, give the Seated Liberty quarters a try.
Barber (18921916)
In 1892, Charles Barber created a new quarter dollar using the same obverse design that he also placed on the dime and half dollar. The Barber quarter series has three toughies to collect the 1896-S, 1901-S, and 1913-S, but none of the three is beyond the means of most collectors. In fact, putting together a set of Barber quarters in low grade is easy, which is one of the reasons this series is so popular with collectors.
Standing Liberty (19161930)
In 1916, a new quarter dollar design by Hermon A. MacNeil hit the streets. The front of the coin showed a bare-breasted Liberty in a flowing dress holding a shield and an olive branch and walking between two stone gates. The back of the coin showed an eagle in graceful flight. The lady was our own Liberty, the icon of freedom and everything that is good about the United States. In any event, a couple of design changes were made in 1917 to make the coin more acceptable from technical and aesthetic viewpoints. In the most obvious change, Liberty not only regained her modesty, but she began wearing a vest of chain mail as well. On the reverse of the coin, the eagle was raised to a more central position, and three stars were moved underneath. For years, experts believed that repressed prudes and their public outcry for decency were the reasons for covering up Liberty in 1917, but recent investigation has found little evidence to support such a claim. Many collectors look for well-struck examples of this type that have full and complete detailing on Liberty's head. Those coins with a full head can be worth substantial premiums.
Washington head (1932 to present)
Had he lived that long, George Washington would have been 200 years old in 1932, so Congress decided to celebrate with a new quarter dollar with George's head on the front. The Washington-head quarter dollar was meant to be a commemorative coin, but it was so popular that it became a regular issue in 1934. Tough dates in the series include the 1932-D and 1932-S. All other dates are common. Like the dimes and half dollars, the metal used to make the quarter dollars changed in 1965 from silver to a clad copper-and-nickel combination. Collectors love this series because it's easy and affordable to collect.
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