According to the U.S. Coin Guide, the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter could be worth up to $12,000, the 1804 Draped Bust Quarter could be worth up to $4,500, and the 1823 over 2 Capped Bust Quarter could. Soak dirty quarters in a solution made from vinegar and salt. Fill a small, glass bowl with 1 cup (240 milliliters) of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of salt. Stir the solution to mix, then add the quarters. Leave the quarters there for several hours to overnight.
US Quarters, with a denomination of twenty five cents, or a quarter of a dollar, were authorized for minting in 1792, however the first quarter coins were not issued until 1796.
These early silver quarters, like the half dimes and dimes of the same period, were not marked with a value. It was 1804 before the value '25c' was added to the reverse of these quarter coins.
In 1838, the denomination was abbreviated as 'QUAR. DOL.' and beginning in 1892, the value was spelled out entirely - 'QUARTER DOLLAR'.
Listed below are the US Quarters along with an image and a short description. More information and stats will be added in the near future.
- Bust Quarter (1796-1838) - These early silver quarters were made of a composition of .8924 silver and .1076 copper.
Designed by Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the United States Mint (1793-1823), these US Quarters had a weight of 6.74 grams and a diameter of 24.3 mm.
They were all minted in Philadelphia and have no mint mark.
There are two major types of Bust Quarters:
Capped Bust Quarter
click to enlarge- Draped Bust (1796-1807) - includes the Small Eagle reverse variety (1796) as well as the Heraldic Eagle reverse (1804-1807).
(Click the image on the upper right to see it larger.) - Capped Bust (1815-1828) - includes the large diameter variety (1815-1838) and a reduced diameter variety (1831-1838).
(Click the image on the right to see it larger.)
Liberty Seated Quarter
click to enlarge - Draped Bust (1796-1807) - includes the Small Eagle reverse variety (1796) as well as the Heraldic Eagle reverse (1804-1807).
- Liberty Seated Quarter (1838-1891) - These 10% copper and 90% silver quarters have a diameter of 24.3 mm.
The weight was changed a few times over the life of the coin ranging from 6.68 to 6.22 grams.
They have a reeded edge and were minted at the Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco and Carson City Mints.
The mint mark is located on the reverse below the eagle.
There are several varieties of the Liberty Seated Quarter.
- Barber or Liberty Head (1892-1916) - Charles E. Barber designed these silver quarters as well as other silver coins of this type. You can find his initial, 'B', at the truncation of the neck of LIBERTY.
Barber or Liberty Head Quarter
click to enlargeThese US Quarters are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper and have of weight of 6.25 grams.
They have a diameter of 24.3 mm with a reeded edge and were minted at four United States Mints. These include:
- Philadelphia
- Denver
- New Orleans
- San Francisco
- Standing Liberty Quarter (1916-1930) - The Standing Liberty type of US Quarters was designed by Hermon A. MacNeil and also had a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper and weighed 6.25 grams. You can find the initials of the designer above and to the right of the date.
Standing Liberty Quarter
click to enlargeThere was an interesting change to the coin in 1917 to cover LIBERTY's exposed breast. Changes were also made to the reverse of the coin at this time.
1925 once again saw a change in the coin, when the date was set into a depression because of problems with the dates of the earlier coins wearing off easily.
The Standing Liberty Quarter has two varieties and was produced at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
- Washington Quarter (1932 to date) - The Washington type of US quarters was actually intended to be a commemorative issue to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
Washington Quarter
click to enlargeIt was designed by a New York sculptor by the name of John Flanagan. His initials 'JF' can be found at the base of Washington's neck.
Early issues, 1932-1964, were silver quarters weighing 6.25 grams and were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. With a diameter of 24.3 mm and a reeded edge, these early silver quarters were minted in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco.
Washington quarters dated 1965 to date are clad coinage with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel and an inner core of pure copper. They weigh 5.67 grams with a diameter of 24.3 mm and a reeded edge.
Other varieties of the Washington Quarter include:
- Bicentennial Quarter (1976) - The Bicentennial Quarter commemorates the 200th anniversary of the independence of the United States. Half dollar and dollar bicentennial coins were also issued during this time.
Bicentennial Quarter
click to enlargeActual minting of the Bicentennial coins occured in both 1975 and 1976, however since all coins bear a dual date of 1776-1976, it is impossible to tell which coins were minted in 1975.
The designer of the reverse of the Bicentennial Quarter was Jack L. Ahr who won a contest put on by the U.S. Treasury Department. As the winner of the design for the bicentennial quarter, Mr. Ahr received $5000.
John Flanagan's design from earlier issues was continued on the obverse or front of the bicentennial quarter with the exception of the dual date - 1776-1976.
These quarters have the same composition, weight and size as other Washington quarters dated 1965 and after, as mentioned above, however they were also minted in a 40% silver version.
- State Quarter (1999-2008) - US Quarters commemorating each of the 50 United States of America were issued beginning in 1999, with five state quarters issued each year until 2008. They were issued in the order in which each state joined the union. Each state designed the reverse of a coin according to guidelines set out in the 50 States Commemorative Coin Program Act.
Find out more and see more images........... - America the Beautiful State Quarter (2010-????) - Beginning in 2010, new state quarters that depict National Parks and other historic sites of the United States add 56 new designs for collectors of state quarters to add to their collections. The quarters will be added at the rate of five per year just like the Statehood Quarters Program.
Find out more...........
If you are interested in collecting US Quarters or State Quarters
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Your local bank - a great place for getting modern coins for your collection.You can also find a large selection at.......................
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