The Quarter Dollar is a United States coin worth 25 cents. It has been produced on and off since 1796 and consistently since 1831.
The Draped Bust design was the first type of quarter dollar issued into circulation. It features on the obverse the draped bust of Miss Liberty, giving the design its name. The design is the same as on other denominations of the same period and, given that the value and denomination were not written on the coin before 1804, initially they had to be inferred by size only. The obverse was paired with two different reverses, a standing "small" eagle (in 1796 only) and the "heraldic eagle" from the Coat of Arms of the United State (1804 to 1807). The composition is 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper.
In 1815, the design of the denomination changed to the Capped Bust obverse and a new eagle reverse. In later years, there were also changes in size and composition (the denomination is now smaller 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.
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin shows the draped bust of Liberty, with long hair tied by a ribbon, facing right.
Around above, the inscription LIBERTY. Around the rim, fifteen stars (eight to the left and seven to the right) representing the 15 states which were then members of the Union.
Below the portrait, the date of issue: 1796.
The rim is denticled (toothed). |
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| Reverse | |
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The main device on the reverse is an eagle, standing on a rock, with open wings, looking to right. Around the eagle, a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon below.
Around, the name of the country: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
The rim is denticled (toothed). Value and denomination are not displayed on the coin. |
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