PCGS The Standart for the Rare Coin Industry

Quarter Dollars (1796 to Date)

An overview of quarter dollars: Among numismatists quarter dollars, somewhat like dimes, have "fallen through the cracks" and have not enjoyed a wide following; this is particularly true of quarter dollars of the earlier era 1796-1838.

Liberty Seated quarters of the next era (1838-1891) have been popular in recent years, particularly since a spurt of interest in Liberty Seated coinage in general began in the 1970s. The activities and publications of the Liberty Seated Collectors Club have served to maintain the current enthusiasm, as has a book by Larry Briggs on the subject, published in 1992.

Barber quarters (1892-1916), once orphans in the coin market, like Barber dimes and Barber halves, have enjoyed renewed popularity in recent times. Standing Liberty quarters (1916-1930) have always been popular and year in and year out have enjoyed a wide market. Washington quarters (1932 to date) are perhaps too recent to attract serious numismatists in large numbers, but there is no doubt that early Washington issues of the 1930s, particularly in higher grades, have been hard to find. Newsletter publisher and PCGS founder David Hall once recommended the field of Washington quarters as being an overlooked area for investment purposes.

Silver coins of the late 18th and early 19th centuries exhibit a sameness of design, and it will come as no surprise to the reader to learn that quarter dollars from 1796 through the early 20th century are little different from contemporary dimes and half dollars except for size. It was not until the early part of the present century that designs of various denominations each became distinctive in their own right.

Early Quarters (1796-1838)

The first quarter dollar variety, minted in 1796, is highly important for several reasons. First, it is the initial issue of the denomination, and for this reason alone it has attracted many buyers over the years. More significant, however, is its status as a type coin. The year 1796 represents the only instance in which the Draped Bust obverse was minted in combination with the Small Eagle reverse. Just 6,146 were coined, making 1796 quarters rare in any grade.