Quarter History & Collecting Guide

Overview

As one of the original denominations authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792, the quarter has seen dramatic design changes over its 225+ year history. From early hand-struck coins to modern high-speed production, quarters reflect American artistic achievements, historical events, and technological progress.

Specifications:

• Denomination: 25 cents
• Years Minted: 1796-present
• Composition (1796-1964): 90% silver, 10% copper
• Composition (1965-present): Copper-nickel clad (outer layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel; pure copper core)
• Weight: 6.74 grams (1796-1838), 6.68 grams (1838-1853), 6.22 grams (1853-1873), 6.25 grams (1873-present)
• Diameter: 27.5mm (1796-1831), 24.3mm (1831-present)

Design Types

Draped Bust Quarter, Small Eagle (1796)

The first quarters featured Robert Scot's Draped Bust design with Small Eagle reverse. Production was limited to 1796 only, with just 6,146 pieces struck. This makes the 1796 quarter one of the great rarities of American numismatics. Even problem examples command five-figure prices, while high-grade specimens sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Draped Bust Quarter, Heraldic Eagle (1804-1807)

After an 8-year hiatus, quarter production resumed in 1804 with the Heraldic Eagle reverse. These early quarters are substantial silver coins with historical significance. All dates are scarce, with the 1804 and 1806/5 overdate being particularly desirable. No quarters were struck from 1808 to 1814.

Capped Bust Quarter, Large Size (1815-1828)

John Reich's Capped Bust design appeared when quarter production resumed in 1815. The Large Size variety (27.5mm diameter) continued until 1828. Mintages were generally low during this period, making all dates collectible but challenging to acquire in high grades. The 1823/2 overdate is a notable variety.

Capped Bust Quarter, Reduced Size (1831-1838)

In 1831, the quarter's diameter was reduced to 24.3mm, matching the size we know today. The design remained similar but adapted to the smaller format. These quarters are more available than earlier types but still command respect in the marketplace. Production was still limited compared to modern standards.

Seated Liberty Quarter (1838-1891)

Christian Gobrecht's Seated Liberty design graced quarters for over 50 years through several variations:

• No Drapery (1838-1840): Initial design without drapery from Liberty's elbow
• Drapery Added (1840-1865): Drapery added for a more refined look
• Motto Added (1866-1891): "IN GOD WE TRUST" added above the eagle after Civil War
• Arrows at Date (1853-1855, 1873-1874): Indicated weight adjustments

Seated Liberty Quarters were produced at multiple mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), and Carson City (CC). Carson City quarters are highly prized, particularly the 1870-CC, 1871-CC, and 1872-CC. The 1873-CC No Arrows is a legendary rarity with fewer than 10 known.

Barber Quarter (1892-1916)

Charles E. Barber's design, featuring Liberty wearing a laurel wreath and Phrygian cap, appeared simultaneously on dimes, quarters, and half dollars. The design was conservative and utilitarian, prioritizing durability for circulation.

Key dates and varieties:

• 1896-S: The key date with only 188,039 minted
• 1901-S: Low mintage and high demand
• 1913-S: Scarce San Francisco issue
• Branch mint issues: Generally scarcer than Philadelphia coins

Barber Quarters in high grade are quite scarce, as most saw heavy circulation. Finding examples with full Liberty head detail and strong breast feathers on the eagle is challenging.

Standing Liberty Quarter (1916-1930)

Hermon A. MacNeil's Standing Liberty Quarter is considered one of America's most beautiful coins. The design went through several modifications:

• Type 1 (1916-1917): Liberty standing with exposed breast, no stars below eagle, three stars beside date
• Type 2 (1917-1930): Revised with Liberty wearing chain mail covering her breast, three stars added below eagle, date recessed for protection

The 1916 is the key date with only 52,000 minted—one of the lowest mintages in the entire U.S. quarter series. Other scarce dates include the 1918/7-S overdate, 1919-D, 1919-S, 1921, and 1923-S.

Full Head designation: Standing Liberty Quarters with complete head details (especially the rivets on Liberty's helmet) earn a "Full Head" designation from grading services and command significant premiums. The date wore quickly on Type 1 coins, leading to the recessed date on Type 2.

Washington Quarter (1932-present)

John Flanagan's portrait of George Washington was created for the 200th anniversary of Washington's birth in 1932. What was intended as a one-year commemorative became the permanent quarter design.

Silver Washington Quarters (1932-1964)

The silver era Washington Quarters are actively collected:

• 1932-D and 1932-S: Key dates, particularly the Denver issue
• 1936-D: Lower mintage makes it scarce in high grades
• 1949-S: Surprisingly scarce in Mint State
• 1950-D/S and 1950-S/D: Overmintmark varieties highly sought

Clad Washington Quarters (1965-1998)

Modern clad quarters from 1965-1998 featured the traditional eagle reverse before the State Quarters program. While common in circulation, high-grade examples and varieties remain collectible.

50 State Quarters Program (1999-2008)

The State Quarters program revolutionized modern coin collecting, releasing five new designs per year honoring each state in the order they ratified the Constitution or were admitted to the Union. This program:

• Brought millions of new collectors into the hobby
• Generated widespread interest in coin collecting across all age groups
• Created a sustainable model for rotating commemorative designs
• Increased public awareness of U.S. Mint products

While most State Quarters are common, certain varieties and errors (like the Extra Leaf Wisconsin quarters) command premiums.

DC and U.S. Territories Quarters (2009)

Following the State Quarters, six additional quarters honored the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands).

America the Beautiful Quarters (2010-2021)

This program featured national parks and sites, with five designs per year. Each design honored a different site of natural or historic significance, continuing the rotating design concept that proved successful with State Quarters.

American Women Quarters (2022-2025)

The current program honors prominent American women, featuring five new designs each year. This series has reinvigorated interest in quarter collecting among collectors who may have completed earlier sets.

Historical Significance

The Silver to Clad Transition

Like dimes, quarters transitioned from 90% silver to copper-nickel clad in 1965 due to rising silver prices. The 1964-dated quarters were produced in enormous quantities as the Mint tried to satisfy demand before the change. Despite high mintages, 1964 quarters are sought after for their silver content.

Cultural Impact

Quarters have unique cultural significance beyond their monetary value:

• Traditional payment for parking meters and laundromats
• The "quarter toss" game and other recreational uses
• State Quarters inspired countless collecting albums sold in retail stores
• Education tool in schools teaching geography and history

Collecting Quarters

Type Set Collecting

A comprehensive quarter type set includes:

1. Draped Bust, Small Eagle (1796) - Extremely rare and expensive
2. Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle (1804-1807) - Very scarce
3. Capped Bust, Large Size (1815-1828) - Challenging
4. Capped Bust, Small Size (1831-1838) - More available
5. Seated Liberty (various subtypes) - Multiple options
6. Barber (1892-1916) - Affordable in lower grades
7. Standing Liberty Type 1 (1916-1917) - Scarce and beautiful
8. Standing Liberty Type 2 (1917-1930) - Popular with collectors
9. Washington, Silver (1932-1964) - Very collectible
10. Washington, Clad (1965-1998) - Affordable
11. State Quarters (1999-2008) - Complete set of 50
12. Modern commemorative quarters - Various programs

Date and Mint Mark Sets

Complete sets vary in difficulty:

• Early quarters (1796-1838): Extremely difficult and expensive
• Seated Liberty: Challenging; Carson City issues are very scarce
• Barber: Achievable with patience; several key dates
• Standing Liberty: Popular set; 1916 is expensive, Full Heads command premiums
• Washington (1932-1964): Very popular; 1932-D and 1932-S are keys
• State Quarters: Highly collectible and completable

Specialty Collecting

• Proof sets: Special collector coins with mirror-like surfaces
• Silver Proofs: Modern 90% silver versions for collectors
• Varieties and errors: Die varieties, overdates, and minting errors
• Territorial and possession quarters: DC and territories series