The Quarter Dollar is a United States coin worth 25 cents. It has been produced on and off since 1796 and consistently since 1831.
After the initial issue of the "Draped Bust" type (1796 - 1807), a Capped Bust obverse was used until 1838, a Seated Liberty type (1838 - 1891) and then the so-called Barber Quarter (1892 - 1916).
In 1916, this new design was introduced; it is known as the Standing Liberty Quarter after the symbol on its reverse, emphasising the desire of the United States for peace but also its readiness to enter the war then raging in Europe. There were two modifications to the obverse design; in 1917, chainmail was added in order to cover Liberty's formerly bare breast, then in 1925 the date was placed in a recessed area to prevent the numerals from being worn by use. The reverse was also changed in 1917, with three of the stars surround the flying eagle being moved below it.
The Standing Liberty Quarter was only issued until 1930; no quarters were struck in 1931, then the Washington Quarter was issued - initially meant as a one-year type commemorative, it became the definitive style for the quarter dollar which is still issued today.
The composition of the Standing Liberty Quarter, like that of earlier coins of the denomination, is 90% silver and 10% copper. In later years, the denomination underwent changes in size and composition (the quarter is now lighter and made of copper-nickel), but these coins have never been demonetised and are still legal tender. This, of course, is of academic interest only, as their numismatic value is enormously higher than their face value. | 
