1854 Seated Liberty Quarter 25C Choice Silver Coin
Add a Rare and Stunning Addition to Your Coin Collection with this 1854 Seated Liberty Quarter
Product information
$68.99
Product Review Score
4.87 out of 5 stars
19 reviewsProduct links
The Draped Bust quarter, a coin that captures the elegance and historical depth of early American numismatics, offers a fascinating window into the artistry and minting practices of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This article explores the design, minting, and rarity of the Draped Bust quarters, shedding light on their significance in the broader context of American history and coin collecting.
Design and Minting of Draped Bust Quarter
The Draped Bust quarter series was introduced as part of a broader redesign of American coinage in the late 1790s. This redesign effort was spearheaded by the United States Mint under the direction of its then Chief Engraver, Robert Scot. The Draped Bust design replaced the earlier Flowing Hair design, which was the first design used on the quarter dollar following the establishment of the Mint in 1792.
The Draped Bust quarter's obverse features a right-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, her hair tied with a ribbon, and drapery around her bust, hence the name "Draped Bust." This depiction of Liberty was meant to symbolize the emerging sense of American identity and the values of freedom and independence. Surrounding Liberty are small stars, representing the states, and the date of minting is placed at the bottom. The reverse of the coin features an eagle with outstretched wings, a design element that has become a mainstay in American coinage, symbolizing strength and freedom.
The first Draped Bust quarters were minted in 1796, following the earlier introduction of the Draped Bust design on other denominations. The minting of these quarters was sporadic, reflecting the young nation's growing pains and the Mint's operational challenges, including a shortage of silver and the technological limitations of the time. The Draped Bust quarters were produced intermittently until 1807, when the design was replaced by the Capped Bust quarter.
Rarity and Notable Varieties of the Draped Bust Quarter
The rarity of Draped Bust quarters varies significantly by year and variety, with some issues being among the rarest and most sought-after coins in American numismatics. Their rarity is often due to low mintage numbers, the melting of coins, and the passage of time, which has seen many of these quarters lost or worn beyond recognition.
- 1796: The 1796 Draped Bust quarter is particularly notable for being the first year of issue. With a mintage of only 6,146 coins, it is one of the rarest and most coveted by collectors. The small number of surviving specimens, combined with its historical significance as the inaugural issue, makes it a prized possession for any serious collector.
- 1804: Another exceedingly rare and famous variety is the 1804 Draped Bust quarter. Its rarity is attributed to its incredibly low mintage, believed to be only 6,738 pieces. The 1804 quarter is a key date for collectors, and finding one in any condition is a significant achievement.
The rarity of these and other Draped Bust quarters makes them not only fascinating pieces of American history but also highly valuable. Collectors often seek out the best-preserved examples, with prices for high-grade specimens reaching into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, reflecting their desirability and the competitive nature of numismatic collecting.
Collecting Draped Bust Quarters
Collecting Draped Bust quarters is a pursuit that combines historical interest with the challenge of finding rare and significant coins. Given their age, rarity, and historical value, assembling a complete collection of Draped Bust quarters is a daunting task, reserved for the most dedicated and resourceful collectors. However, even acquiring a single Draped Bust quarter can be a noteworthy achievement and a cherished addition to any collection.
When collecting these coins, enthusiasts pay close attention to their condition, rarity, and historical significance. The grades of these coins, assessed by professional grading services, play a crucial role in determining their market value. Collectors also seek to understand the historical context in which these coins were minted, including the economic, political, and technological factors that influenced their design and production.
The Draped Bust quarters represent a pivotal chapter in the story of American coinage, embodying the young nation's ideals and the artistic ambitions of its early minters. These coins, with their intricate designs and historical significance, offer a direct link to the formative years of the United States. For collectors, the pursuit of Draped Bust quarters is not just a hobby but a journey into the past, offering insights into the nation's history and the evolution of its currency. Whether as treasured pieces in a private collection or as subjects of academic study, Draped Bust quarters continue to fascinate and inspire, standing as enduring symbols of America's numismatic heritage.
$49.99
4.74 out of 5 stars
Silver Seated Liberty Quarter 1838-1891 - Various Years
Add a classic touch to your collection with these Silver Seated Liberty Quarters from various years between 1838-1891
Product information
Product Review Score
Product links
