Capped Bust Quarter
First minted in 1815, the Capped Bust Quarter, like most other United States coins of that period and even coins that were produced previously, features Lady Liberty on the coin’s obverse side, shown facing to the left and surrounded by thirteen stars, with six on the right side and seven on her left. The word “LIBERTY” is imprinted upon her mobcap that is in place to hold Liberty’s hair. The year of the coin’s mintage is also shown along the bottom edge of the coin, although it is displayed slightly off-kilter.
This beautiful early American coin featured a design by John Reich and was re-designed in 1831 by William Kneass. The quarter was composed of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper. The Capped Bust Quarter is was the second quarter dollar coin type to be produced and there were also half dollars, dimes and half dimes, featuring virtually the same obverse and reverse design. This followed the tradition that other denomination coins of the time had. The coin is generally considered to be a rare United States early gold coin that was quite popular at the time, as it successfully replaced the Draped Bust Quarter design, which had been used previously.
The Capped Bust Quarter was not produced in 1829 and 1830.
The reverse side features an eagle with a shield on its breast as it holds three arrows in its right claw, and an olive branch on his left claw. The coin’s reverse side displays the value “25 C.” or “25 CENTS” toward the bottom edge, just underneath the eagle’s talons. The phrase “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs along the top edge over the eagle’s head and displays the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on a ribbon which is located right above the eagle.
The majority of Capped Bust Quarters that exist today would be in grades that would be considered Very Fine or even better. The reason that so many exist in such relatively good condition is that they were somewhat rare at the time, not seeing intense everyday circulation. A large number were also melted, which add to their rarity in today’s market. The specimens that did survive being melted exist in better condition as a whole.
In 1834 the Capped Bust Quarter was replaced by the Classic Head Quarter Eagle was also produced for a relatively short amount of time, although it was produced in larger numbers.