Liberty Head Quarter Eagles (1840-1907)

Coronet or Liberty Head quarter eagles, minted nonstop from 1840 through 1907, are remarkable in American coinage as having the longest continuous production of any design without a major change. In essence, a Coronet quarter eagle of 1840 looks just like one of 1907, except for the date numerals. There were several rarities produced within that span, notably the 1841 (believed to have been made only with Proof finish), the 1863 (struck only in Proof finish, to the extent of just 30 coins), the seldom-seen 1854-S (of which just 246 business strikes were made), and the low-mintage 1875.

Particularly notable in the quarter eagle series is the 1848 CAL. quarter eagle, of which 1,389 were produced using gold bullion brought to the Philadelphia Mint from California, one of the earliest shipments to the East from the Gold Rush. The distinguishing counterstamp, made at the Mint while the coins were still in the die, served to hallmark the issue and at the same time to specifically create a souvenir for those desiring same. In actuality, the 1848 CAL. quarter eagle is the first official United States commemorative coin, although few people recognize it as such. Probably somewhere between 200 and 300 specimens survive today. In my own business I have probably handled three or four dozen of them over the years.

In one memorable week in 1991, I had in my office all at one time, quarter eagles of 1841, 1854-S, 1863, and 1875!

Budget Recommendations: No specific recommendations here, as low-grade gold coins are apt to be quite unattractive, although Coronet quarter eagles in VF-20 or better, especially among the earlier issues, can be quite desirable. Consider what I have to say under the following listing.

Recommendations for the Connoisseur: Coronet quarter eagles form a nice set, uniform in appearance, a display which is challenging to assemble because of the scarcities and rarities therein. Pieces were produced at various branch mints up through 1879, after which coinage was effected at the Philadelphia Mint only. A collection within a collection can be made of quarter eagles toward the end of the series, from 1880 to 1907. There are no great rarities within this span, although the 1881 and 1885 are very elusive. These two dates are not particularly high priced, as scarce issues within the series are somewhat neglected by numismatists. Coins dated 1840 through the 1870s are most easily collected in higher circulated grades, EF and AU. For most issues Uncirculated examples are decidedly rare. The collecting of Uncirculated coins becomes feasible for pieces dated after about 1880.

Elite Recommendations: Aspire to collect the early issues in higher grades such as AU-50 or finer, buying Mint State pieces as they become available. Buy issues after 1880 in MS-65 grade. Proofs are collectible as well; aspire to own Proof-64 or Proof-65 grades.