The US Quarter

By Chuck Haviland

The US Quarter was first produced in 1796, utilizing the “Draped Bust” with the small eagle design. This was similar to the one dollar coin but it was smaller. It was not produced in 1797 – 1803 (27.5mm). Its composition was 0.8924 oz silver. Its diameter was 27.5 mm.

The “Draped Bust” with the Heraldic Eagle was produced from 1804 – 1807. The design of this coin was similar to the one dollar coin, only smaller (27.5 mm). Its composition was unchanged.

The “Capped Bust” was produced from 1815 – 1838. The design was similar to the one dollar coin, although it was smaller (27 mm). Its composition was unchanged

Also in 1838 the “Seated Liberty” coin was produced until 1891. Its diameter was 24.3 mm. Its composition was changed slightly to 0.900 silver, (actually this occurred in 1837.) Its diameter was 24.3 mm.

Figure 1. Coin illustrating Lady Liberty’s Draped Bust design. The capped bust design was similar but Lady Liberty faced to the left and wore a cap with a headband with the word ‘Liberty’ on it.

Figure 5. Five coin plate of one year of the 50 state quarters

Figure 7. All 6 of the Territorial quarters.

Figure 8. One year of the national parks quarters.

The “Barber Head” (also known as the “Liberty head”) was produced from 1892 – 1916. Charles E. Barber was the designer. Its diameter was 24.3 mm and its composition was 0.900 silver.

From 1916 until 1930 the “Standing Liberty” design was used. Its diameter and composition was unchanged.

From 1932 to the present the obverse used the design by John Flanagan, a New York sculptor.

From 1932 to 1964 its composition remained unchanged. In 1965 its composition was changed to a 75 % copper with 25% nickel clad coin. Except for the Bi-centennial coins which were made in 1975 & 1976 but were struck 1776-1976, these were composed of clad coins and 80% silver proof coins. In addition to the clad coins, silver proofs (90 % silver) were made from 1992 – 1998. No 1975 quarters were made.

From 1999 – 2008 the 50 state quarters were made, five designs per year, both clad and silver proofs.

In 2009 all six of the Territorial quarters were made, both clad and silver proofs.

Then starting in 2010 the “America the Beautiful” (commonly referred to as the National Parks quarters). Like the state quarters five designs are made for each year, concluding in 2021.