Draped Bust Quarter Eagle
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, two and a half dollars represented a considerable sum of money: a five-day salary for the average American worker. However, it is unlikely that anyone outside the Philadelphia Mint would have this amount in the form of the new quarter eagle: there was very little minting of it and it was not plenty in circulation, probably may not have existed at all. Some large north-east coasts are sometimes ordered for quarter eagles, but obviously more for whips than necessity, because most of them remained in their vaults.
Although it was authorized by the Mint Act of 1792, apparently the money was unwanted to say the least:, it was so scarce in circulation that it was of no use in trading. The cent, a half dollar and a half-eagle took center stage during this time: they were the main denominations in demand. However, the lack of eagles in the first quarter also has the other side for numismatists, such as these coins, in its many variants, among the less numismatists, and fascinates and frustrated collectors and researchers for years.
These first-quarter eagles were missing the stars on the front because they were placed on the back as part of the new design of the heraldic eagle. However, half of the eagle and the eagle still use a small eagle in the opposite direction, with the stars in their direction. Whether it’s artistic tastes or consistency in design, the opposite of the Quarter Eagle received the stars for the last forge in 1796. With the recent admission of the Tennessee Union, 16 stars were on the front, eight left eight right. However, after Tennessee was received, director Mint Boudinot realized the eagerness to add a star to each new state. Since then, only 13 stars have been used, symbolizing the original state. This year’s No Stars category stands out as a distinct species, but date collectors usually include it in an extended series.
The number 1797 had thirteen stars on the front, seven on the left and six on the right. The back of the coin, however, was from the previous year: it had 16 stars. Thus began the dance of the evolution of opposite and inverse vignettes for this design. The position of the stormy stars has changed almost every year, imitating the design of the most popular pieces. The obstacles have multiplied for several years, reflecting a currency rush or fear of waste. The reverse stars ranged from thirteen to sixteen, not in a particular order. Many transfer considerations were also used to make dimes at the end of the production of square ears.
No proofs were made, but several 1796 No Stars coins have enough mirror-like finish to support the theory that they were included in presentation sets of coins distributed on June 1 of that year—celebrating Tennessee’s admission to the Union.
The draped bust design was in existence for eleven years, while Director Patterson ordered John Reich to redefine all denominations in 1807. Reich’s improved motif, first used in 1808, lasted a year. He retired early, remained one of the favorite models of the initial gold coins.