Draped Bust Quarters

1796-1807

The Draped Bust Quarter, minted from 1796 to 1807, features two primary design types on its reverse

The Draped Bust Quarter, minted from 1796 to 1807, features two primary design types on its reverse:

Small Eagle (1796-1797): The initial design of the Draped Bust Quarter featured a small eagle on the reverse, perched on a cloud and surrounded by a wreath. This design was used for only two years and is based on the Great Seal of the United States.

Heraldic Eagle (1804-1807): In 1804, the design was changed to feature a larger, heraldic eagle on the reverse. This eagle design was more spread out, with a shield on its chest, and was surrounded by stars and clouds. Above the eagle is an "E PLURIBUS UNUM" banner, and below it are arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing war and peace respectively.

The obverse of both types features the Draped Bust design of Liberty, but it's the reverse designs that distinguish the two types. The gap between 1797 and 1804 without any quarters being minted is notable. When production resumed in 1804, it was with the new Heraldic Eagle design.

The Draped Bust Quarter was produced exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint. During the time the Draped Bust design was in use (1796-1807), the Philadelphia Mint was the only operating mint facility in the United States. It wasn't until later years that other branch mints were established. As a result, Draped Bust Quarters do not have any mint marks, as coins produced in Philadelphia did not carry a mint mark until much later.

6.74 grams of .8924 silver .1076 copper

Gilbert Stuart.

No, the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter did not have a specific value or denomination inscribed on it. Instead, the reverse of the coin featured an eagle surrounded by the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." It lacked the explicit "25 C." or any other indication of its value that would appear on later quarter designs. The denomination was understood based on the coin's size and metal content in relation to other coins in circulation at the time.