Early Designs: Draped Bust & Capped Bust (1796-1838)
Quarter mintage in the United States began with with the Draped Bust quarter, the first-ever quarter produced by the US Mint. Designed by Robert Scot, these quarters feature Lady Liberty in a flowing dress and a cap. Minted between 1796 and 1807, these rare coins provide a glimpse into the early years of the United States.
Following the Draped Bust, the Capped Bust quarter made its debut in 1815. Designed by John Reich, these quarters present a more mature Lady Liberty with a capped head. Produced until 1838, Capped Bust quarters offer collectors an intriguing variety of sizes and design nuances to discover.
The Seated Liberty quarter, designed by Christian Gobrecht, is an iconic representation of American numismatic artistry. Portraying Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a staff with a liberty cap, these quarters were minted from 1838 to 1891. Seated Liberty quarters have various subtypes, including the No Drapery, Drapery, Arrows and Rays, Arrows, and Motto designs. Collectors will delight in exploring the subtle distinctions of each subtype and appreciating their unique attributes.
Named after their designer, Charles E. Barber, Barber quarters showcase a sophisticated, modernized portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap. Minted from 1892 to 1916, these quarters stand as a testament to the progression of American coinage. With their graceful design, Barber quarters hold a special place in the hearts of collectors.
Standing Liberty Quarters (1916-1930)
The Standing Liberty quarter, designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, is among the most admired US quarters. Featuring Lady Liberty standing between two large gates, this design symbolizes America's role as a gateway to freedom. Minted from 1916 to 1930, Standing Liberty quarters are cherished for their artistic excellence and historical importance.
Paying tribute to the first President of the United States, George Washington, the Washington quarter has been in circulation since 1932. Designed by John Flanagan, these quarters capture President Washington's profile with a classic elegance. Renowned for their enduring presence, Washington quarters have experienced changes in composition, transitioning from silver to a copper-nickel clad. Collectors can delve into the various mint marks and special editions, such as the 1976 Bicentennial quarter, celebrating the 200th anniversary of American independence.
In 1999, the US Mint launched the 50 State Quarters Program, featuring unique designs for each state. This innovative series, minted until 2008, ignited a new wave of coin collecting enthusiasm, with each quarter celebrating the individual state's history, landmarks, and symbols.
Continuing the legacy of the State Quarters, the America the Beautiful Quarters series began in 2010. This program showcases national parks, forests, and monuments from each state and territory, capturing the breathtaking beauty of the American landscape. Collectors can enjoy discovering the intricate designs and stories behind these stunning coins, as the series continues to unfold.
The US Mint began the American Women Quarter Series is a four-year program honoring the accomplishments and contributions made by women throughout US history. Five coins will be produced per year from 2022 through 2025. Each release will feature an American icon who contributed to the development and history of the United States. The obverse of each quarter issued will features a brand-new likeness of our first commander-in-chief, General George Washington.
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