Capped Bust Quarter Eagle Values
How Much Capped Bust Quarter Eagles are Worth: Capped Bust Quarter Eagle Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1808 | (None) Phil | 125-150 Known SRS: R4 | -- | -- | $61,700.00 | $59,400.00 | $122,500.00 | $153,500.00 | $308,250.00 | $650,000.00 | $942,500.00 | $2,957,500.00 | -- |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | 40-60 Known SRS: R5 | -- | -- | $6,930.00 | $8,250.00 | $15,525.00 | $17,960.00 | $39,025.00 | $130,000.00 | $225,500.00 | $366,500.00 | $692,500.00 |
| 1824/1 | (None) Phil | 46-60 Known SRS: R5 | -- | -- | $6,930.00 | $8,250.00 | $15,525.00 | $17,960.00 | $43,175.00 | $98,800.00 | $152,250.00 | -- | -- |
| 1825 | (None) Phil | 100-150 Known SRS: R4 | -- | -- | $9,770.00 | $11,150.00 | $16,075.00 | $19,225.00 | $39,575.00 | $93,750.00 | $148,000.00 | $233,750.00 | $412,500.00 |
| 1826/6 | (None) Phil | 30-35 Known SRS: R5+ | -- | -- | $13,750.00 | $22,125.00 | $31,250.00 | $41,750.00 | $114,250.00 | $294,500.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1827 | (None) Phil | 46-60 Known | -- | -- | $9,880.00 | $11,040.00 | $17,175.00 | $20,050.00 | $41,500.00 | $85,500.00 | $142,500.00 | $236,500.00 | $264,000.00 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | 75-125 Known SRS: R4+ | -- | -- | $5,720.00 | $6,820.00 | $12,950.00 | $15,850.00 | $28,500.00 | $44,800.00 | $74,000.00 | $164,000.00 | $247,500.00 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | 80-120 Known SRS: R4 | -- | -- | $7,735.00 | $9,035.00 | $12,950.00 | $16,125.00 | $28,775.00 | $43,700.00 | $68,500.00 | $137,500.00 | $236,500.00 |
| 1831 | (None) Phil | 110-140 Known SRS: R4 | -- | -- | $5,720.00 | $6,820.00 | $12,950.00 | $15,850.00 | $28,500.00 | $47,550.00 | $68,500.00 | $148,500.00 | $242,500.00 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | 80-120 Known | -- | -- | $5,720.00 | $6,820.00 | $12,950.00 | $15,850.00 | $29,600.00 | $52,000.00 | $83,600.00 | $160,500.00 | -- |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | 60-90 Known SRS: R4+ | -- | -- | $5,720.00 | $6,820.00 | $12,950.00 | $15,850.00 | $28,500.00 | $43,700.00 | $68,500.00 | $137,500.00 | $224,000.00 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | 18-24 Known SRS: R6 | -- | -- | $28,600.00 | $38,500.00 | $81,900.00 | $143,250.00 | $210,750.00 | $340,000.00 | -- | -- | -- |
History of the Capped Bust Quarter Eagle
The Capped Bust Quarter Eagle, minted between 1808 and 1834, occupies an important place in early American numismatics. Designed by John Reich, the series marked a stylistic evolution from the earlier Turban Head Quarter Eagle. One of its defining features was the new left-facing Liberty, a departure from the right-facing portrait of its predecessor. Reich’s design featured Liberty wearing a soft cap with intricate curls, symbolizing freedom and progress, while the reverse displayed a heraldic eagle, the national emblem refined to appear more proportional and graceful.
Production began in 1808, with a mintage of only 2,710 coins. After that, the U.S. Mint suspended the quarter eagle denomination from 1809 through 1820 (a period of 12 years) before resuming in 1821 and continuing sporadically through 1834. Because of its limited mintage and the melting of early gold coins, few examples of the Capped Bust Quarter Eagle survive today, rendering it one of the most elusive early U.S. gold coins.
Rarest Coins in the Series
The rarity of the Capped Bust Quarter Eagle series cannot be overstated. Each issue presents a unique story of scarcity, survival, and collector fascination.
- 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle: The 1808 issue stands alone as the only coin of its design year and is among the rarest U.S. gold coins ever struck. With only 2,710 pieces minted and fewer than 150 estimated to exist today, it often sells for significant premiums. High-grade specimens often realize six-figure prices at major auctions.
- 1821 Quarter Eagle: After a 13-year hiatus, the quarter eagle returned with slight design refinements. Its limited mintage and status as the “revival” issue make it a keystone piece for advanced collectors.
- 1826 Quarter Eagle: Distinguished by its low mintage and superior strikes, the 1826 issue is often viewed as one of the finest examples of Reich’s artistry and is highly prized in Mint State.
- 1834 Quarter Eagle (Classic Head Transition): 1834 marks the transition to the Classic Head quarter eagle design. While technically the end of the Capped Bust era’s continuity, the 1834 issue bridges the two styles and remains collectible.
Each of these coins stands as a numismatic milestone, representing both artistry and the economic realities of early U.S. coin production.
Types of Collections
Collectors pursue the Capped Bust Quarter Eagle through various thematic and strategic approaches, each emphasizing different aspects of numismatic appreciation.
- Type Set Collection: This approach focuses on acquiring one representative example from each major design type in U.S. gold coinage. The Capped Bust Quarter Eagle often serves as a centerpiece due to its aesthetic charm and rarity.
- Date Set Collection: Advanced collectors may strive to assemble all years from 1808 to 1834, a daunting but rewarding pursuit given the low survival rate.
- Condition Rarity Collection: Some numismatists specialize in acquiring the finest known examples or coins graded at the top of the census reports, emphasizing preservation over variety.
- Die Variety Collection: For students of minting technology and design, collecting by die variety allows a closer look at the subtle engraving differences that define individual issues.
These approaches reflect the flexibility of collectors tailoring their goals according to passion, resources, and scholarly interest.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
For collectors at the beginner level, the Capped Bust Quarter Eagle represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Due to its scarcity and value, it is not a typical entry-level coin, but beginners can still engage with it through research, replica study, and occasional lower-grade acquisitions. Understanding basic grading standards, authentication methods, and proper storage is essential for preservation.
Advanced Collecting
Advanced collectors, by contrast, approach the series with deep specialization. They study die marriages, trace provenance histories, and track market performance across decades. Many of these collectors participate in elite auctions and collaborate with experts to locate well-documented specimens. The pursuit of an 1808 example is often seen as a notable achievement for serious numismatists.
In both cases, knowledge and diligence are paramount. The combination of artistry, rarity, and historical intrigue ensures that collecting Capped Bust Quarter Eagles is as intellectually rewarding as it is financially significant.
Investment Potential
The investment potential of the Capped Bust Quarter Eagle remains strong. As a cornerstone of early U.S. gold coinage, its limited supply and historical prestige have driven sustained demand among both collectors and investors. High-grade coins frequently achieve record prices at major auctions, reflecting a market that values originality, condition, and provenance.
Because early gold coins were often melted for bullion or lost to circulation, the few surviving examples have become storehouses of historical and monetary value. Investors often view the series as a hedge against economic uncertainty by combining tangible wealth with collectible appeal.
The 1808 Quarter Eagle combines rarity with broad collector demand. Its one-year design type, artistic significance, and traceable ownership make it a sought-after piece. Other dates, such as the 1821 and 1826 issues, also enjoy strong appreciation due to their scarcity and aesthetic quality.
In a broader sense, the Capped Bust Quarter Eagle encapsulates the evolution of American coinage, representing a formative period in the nation’s monetary history. For collectors or investors, owning one of these coins is both a financial investment and a link to early U.S. coinage history.