Draped Bust Quarter

The Draped Bust quarter is a tiny early series: a one-year small-eagle debut in 1796 followed by four heraldic-eagle dates after a long pause.

This guide covers the five cataloged 1796–1807 date records and the recognized 1806 overdate variety.

Core specifications

Issue period

1796–1807

Catalog mints

1

Reported catalog mintage

561,045

Composition

89% Silver - 11% Copper

Diameter

27.5 mm

Weight

6.74 g

A denomination that took time to find demand

The Mint struck a small 1796 quarter delivery, then made no more quarters until 1804. Early commerce often preferred other denominations and foreign silver.

When production returned, the heraldic eagle replaced the small eagle. This visible reverse change divides a series with only five date slots.

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

A draped and tied-haired Liberty faces right, framed by stars with LIBERTY above and the date below.

Denomination, subject, and mint mark

The 1796 coin uses a small eagle in a wreath; 1804–1807 coins use a heraldic eagle with shield and stars.

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: 1796, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807; 561,045. 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

Most collectors approach the denomination through one type coin; full date sets require substantial resources and careful surface evaluation.

• 1796 P — 6,146. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
• 1804 P — 6,738. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
• 1806 P — 206,124. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
• 1807 P — 220,643. 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 1 varieties. A variety name describes repeatable die features; it does not automatically mean error, rarity, or added value.

The issue catalog keeps all 1 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 5 issue records, 1 modeled varieties, and currently reported mintages; unknown values remain unknown.

Sources

1. Quarter: Early Federal Designs — United States Mint
2. Draped Bust Quarter category reference — PCGS CoinFacts