Bust Quarters
(1796 – 1838)

Bust Quarters are an awesome coin to collect for a wide range of reasons — not just their age, but also their artistic design, historical significance, and relative scarcity in high-grade condition. Minted in the early days of American coinage, these quarters capture a rich piece of U.S. history and showcase the evolution of the nation’s minting capabilities. Because they were produced so long ago, they inherently carry collectible appeal and often command higher prices than most other quarter dollars.

These coins saw extensive use in day-to-day commerce, meaning that examples in good condition are hard to find and often fetch strong premiums when they surface. Their rarity in better grades only adds to their mystique and desirability among collectors.

This circulation lasted for almost 50 years, and these coins were used in daily commerce throughout the growing United States. Most Bust Quarters found today show noticeable wear. Even so, these coins were made during a hugely important portion of U.S. history and have intrinsic value for that as well.

Varieties and Designs

• Draped Bust (1796–1807)

  The Draped Bust Quarter is one of those coins that really feels like holding a piece of early American history. First minted in 1796, it was only produced off and on until 1807, so the whole series is short — and every issue is tough to find. The design features a bold, classic portrait of Liberty with flowing hair and draped fabric, paired with a heraldic eagle on the reverse for most years.

These coins were struck back when the U.S. Mint was still getting its footing, so you’ll see some irregularities, and that’s part of the charm. Even in lower grades, they command strong value due to age and rarity. If you’re into early U.S. coinage, the Draped Bust Quarter is a serious prize — not just because of how scarce they are, but because of the era they represent.

• Capped Bust Large Size (Type 1) (1815–1828)

  The Capped Bust Large Size Quarter (Type 1) is one of those classic early American coins that really captures the spirit of its time. Minted from 1815 to 1828, it features a bold, detailed design with Liberty wearing a capped bust—hence the name—and an eagle on the reverse with a shield and arrows. These quarters are big and heavy compared to modern ones, giving them a real sense of substance. Struck using the old screw-press method, they’ve got that hand-made feel, with little variations and quirks that make each one unique. They weren’t made every year, and mintages were low, so even lower-grade examples carry solid collector demand. If you’re into coins that feel like they’ve seen some serious history, the Capped Bust Type 1 quarter checks all the boxes.
  

• Capped Bust Reduced Size (Type 2) (1831–1838)

  The Capped Bust Reduced Size Quarter, also known as Type 2, ran from 1831 to 1838 and marked a pretty big shift in U.S. coinage. Compared to the earlier, chunkier Bust quarters, this version was slimmer, more standardized in weight and size, and struck using more modern machinery.

You’ve still got that classic image of Liberty wearing her soft cap on the obverse, but the overall look is cleaner and a bit more refined. These coins were made during a time of growing national identity and economic change, and they reflect that balance between old-school design and updated production methods.

Valuation Chart

Bust Quarter values depend heavily on mintage year, rarity, and condition. Because of their age, even low-grade examples can be quite valuable.

Key Dates and Notable Coins

Bust Quarters from the 1830s are more available and affordable, typically selling for around $100–$500, depending on condition and exact date. But something like the 1819 Bust Quarter, in Extremely Fine condition, could bring $1,000 or more easily.

Coins from 1796 or 1815 are always on collectors’ radars — due to both scarcity and historical significance. If you find one of these, even in lower grades, it’s a big deal.

Historical Context Year-By-Year

• 1796: First U.S. quarter ever minted; Draped Bust design with Small Eagle reverse, extremely low mintage (~6,146 made). – Tennessee becomes the 16th U.S. state.

• 1797–1803: No quarters struck these years. – 1797: John Adams becomes the second U.S. President.

• 1804: Production resumes with Heraldic Eagle reverse; only ~6,738 struck. – Lewis and Clark begin their famous expedition west.

• 1805: Similar design, slightly higher mintage (~121,394). – Battle of Trafalgar secures British naval dominance.

• 1806: Continued production, same design. – Noah Webster publishes his first American English dictionary.

• 1807: Final year of Draped Bust quarters; production decreases. – The Embargo Act damages U.S. shipping and trade.

No quarters minted from 1808 to 1814 due to metal shortages and low demand.

– 1812: The U.S. goes to war with Britain in the War of 1812.
– 1814: British troops burn Washington, D.C., including the Capitol and White House.

• 1815: Quarters reintroduced with new Capped Bust design by John Reich; low mintage (~89,235) due to post-war recovery. – Battle of New Orleans marks final major conflict of War of 1812.

• 1816–1817: No quarters minted. – 1817: Construction of the Erie Canal begins.

• 1818: Quarters return; minting increases. – Illinois becomes the 21st state.

• 1819: Continued minting; slightly larger production. – The Adams-Onís Treaty cedes Florida to the U.S.

• 1820: Stronger output; minor design tweaks. – The Missouri Compromise debates slavery in new states.

• 1821: Steady mintage year. – Napoleon Bonaparte dies in exile on St. Helena.

• 1822: Limited mintage; relatively scarce. – Denmark Vesey accused of planning a slave revolt in Charleston.

• 1823: Extremely low mintage; all 1823 quarters are overdates (1823/2). – The Monroe Doctrine asserts U.S. dominance in the Americas.

• 1824: Higher mintage; continued design. – John Quincy Adams wins the presidency in a contested election.

• 1825: Steady production. – The Erie Canal is completed, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic.

• 1826: Quarters continue strong; high-grade coins more available. – Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both die on July 4th.

• 1827: Very low mintage; another rare year. – Beethoven dies in Vienna.

• 1828: Continued coinage with no major design changes. – Andrew Jackson elected U.S. President.

• 1829: Minting continues; steady mintage. – First practical typewriter is invented.

• 1830: New dies used, minor design changes. – Indian Removal Act signed into law.

• 1831: Quarters keep steady production. – Nat Turner’s Rebellion intensifies tensions over slavery.

• 1832: Consistent output; many survive in circulated condition. – The Black Hawk War occurs in the Midwest.

• 1833: Typical mintage year. – The first anti-slavery society is founded in Philadelphia.

• 1834: Slight design updates. – The Whig Party forms in opposition to Jacksonian Democrats.

• 1835: High production year; mint expansion begins. – The U.S. Mint opens branches in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans.

• 1836: Last year of “large diameter” Capped Bust design. – Battle of the Alamo occurs in Texas.

• 1837: Smaller-diameter Capped Bust quarters introduced, minted in limited quantities. – The Panic of 1837 sparks a national economic crisis.

• 1838: Final year of Capped Bust quarter; replaced by the Seated Liberty design. – The Trail of Tears forces thousands of Cherokee from their lands.

Condition vs. Age

Condition is always a major factor when evaluating collectibles. But with Bust Quarters, collectors are a bit more lenient. After all, these coins are over 100 years old, and many show wear from heavy use in early American commerce.

Think of it like vintage comic books — sure, you want a pristine copy, but if you find an original Action Comics #1, even in beat-up shape, it’s still an incredible piece. Same goes for Bust Quarters. Their age and legacy help make up for wear and tear.

Coins in original, uncleaned condition with full readable dates and decent detail will always command a premium. So even if you can’t afford a pristine specimen, a solid circulated example is still a worthy addition to your collection.

Final Thoughts

Bust Quarters have it all—age, rarity, historical importance, and that steady collector demand that never really goes out of style. These coins were struck between 1796 and 1838, which means you’re holding something that predates railroads, photography, and a whole lot of what we think of as “modern America.”

They can definitely be tough to track down, especially in high grades, but that’s part of what makes them so rewarding. Even a well-circulated example has serious character—and serious history.

Owning just one is like having a direct link to the early days of the U.S. Mint. Every time you look at it, you’re reminded that someone, two centuries ago, actually used that coin to buy something—maybe in a small frontier town or a bustling port city. It’s a real piece of everyday life from a time when the country was still figuring out what it was going to be.

If you ever stumble across one in a coin shop, estate sale, or tucked away in an old family collection, don’t brush past it. Take a closer look. You might be holding a relic from the first generation of U.S. quarters—and if you’re lucky, maybe even a Draped Bust from 1796 or an overdate from the early 1820s. Whether it’s worn down to smooth rims or surprisingly sharp, it could be your next great find. And either way, it’s the kind of coin that makes this hobby so addictive.