Capped Bust quarters returned the denomination in 1815, then changed from a large-diameter motto type to a smaller close-collar format in 1831.
The catalog covers the 1815–1828 large-size type and the 1831–1838 reduced-diameter type, plus documented overdates and inscription varieties.
Core specifications
- Issue period
- 1815–1838
- Catalog mints
- 1
- Reported catalog mintage
- 5,496,984
- Composition
- 89% Silver - 11% Copper
- Diameter
- Varies by type
- Weight
- 6.74 g
From open-collar craft to a more standardized coin
John Reich's large quarter shares the hand-worked character of early federal coinage, with individually prepared dies and many small differences.
William Kneass's reduced-diameter design arrived with close-collar technology, a reeded edge, and no E PLURIBUS UNUM banner, making 1831 the main type break.
Obverse, reverse, and the details that identify the type
Confirm the major design, date, and mint mark before studying smaller die differences.
The main portrait and date
Liberty faces left wearing a soft cap secured by a band reading LIBERTY, with stars and date around the portrait.
Denomination, subject, and mint mark
An eagle with shield holds arrows and an olive branch; the large type includes a motto scroll, while the reduced type omits it.
Where the cataloged coins were made
Totals are calculated from reported issue records in this catalog; unknown figures are not counted as zero.
- P — Philadelphia: 1815, 1818, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1827, 1828, 1831, 1832, 1833, 1834, 1835, 1836, 1837, 1838; 5,496,984. Philadelphia issues commonly carry no P mint mark in classic series; confirm the expected blank area rather than searching for a letter.
Representative issues that explain the series
A two-type set explains the mechanical transition. Date and die specialists can then study overdates, denomination punches, and marriages.
- 1815 P — 89,235. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
- 1823 P - 3 Over 2 — 17,800. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
- 1827 P - Original - Curl Base 2 in 25c — 4,000. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
- 1838 P — 366,000. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
Start with the major type, then study smaller die differences
The current catalog records 4 varieties. A variety name describes repeatable die features; it does not automatically mean error, rarity, or added value.
The issue catalog keeps all 4 modeled varieties attached to their parent issue records.
Issue catalog
From one type coin to a complete catalog
- One representative coin: Choose one problem-free, readable example and learn the size, edge, and major design.
- Major-type set: Use one coin per major design to show changes in artwork, composition, or production.
- Dates and mints: Work through the issue catalog by date and mint, defining special finishes separately.
- Variety study: Choose one date or diagnostic family and record several matching markers for every attribution.
A note on catalog records
This page uses 25 issue records, 4 modeled varieties, and currently reported mintages; unknown values remain unknown.
Sources
- Quarter: Capped Bust Era — United States Mint
- Capped Bust Quarter category reference — PCGS CoinFacts