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 | $59,400 | $130,000 | $156,000 | $308,250 | $650,000 | $942,500 | $2,957,500 | -- |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | 40-60 Known SRS: R5 | -- | -- | $6,930 | $8,250 | $15,525 | $17,960 | $39,025 | $130,000 | $233,750 | $366,500 | $692,500 |
| 1824/1 | (None) Phil | 46-60 Known SRS: R5 | -- | -- | $6,930 | $8,250 | $15,525 | $17,960 | $43,175 | $98,800 | $152,250 | -- | -- |
| 1825 | (None) Phil | 100-150 Known SRS: R4 | -- | -- | $9,770 | $11,150 | $16,075 | $19,225 | $39,575 | $93,750 | $148,000 | $233,750 | $412,500 |
| 1826/6 | (None) Phil | 30-35 Known SRS: R5+ | -- | -- | $13,750 | $22,125 | $31,250 | $41,750 | $114,250 | $294,500 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1827 | (None) Phil | 46-60 Known | -- | -- | $9,880 | $11,040 | $17,175 | $20,050 | $41,500 | $85,500 | $142,500 | $236,500 | $264,000 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | 75-125 Known SRS: R4+ | -- | -- | $5,720 | $6,820 | $12,950 | $15,850 | $28,500 | $44,800 | $77,750 | $164,000 | $247,500 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | 80-120 Known SRS: R4 | -- | -- | $7,735 | $9,035 | $12,950 | $16,125 | $28,775 | $43,150 | $72,250 | $137,500 | $229,000 |
| 1831 | (None) Phil | 110-140 Known SRS: R4 | -- | -- | $5,720 | $6,820 | $12,950 | $15,850 | $28,500 | $47,000 | $72,250 | $148,500 | $242,500 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | 80-120 Known | -- | -- | $5,720 | $6,820 | $12,950 | $15,850 | $29,600 | $52,000 | $83,600 | $160,500 | -- |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | 60-90 Known SRS: R4+ | -- | -- | $5,720 | $6,820 | $12,950 | $15,850 | $28,500 | $43,150 | $72,250 | $137,500 | $231,500 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | 18-24 Known SRS: R6 | -- | -- | $28,600 | $38,500 | $81,900 | $143,250 | $215,750 | $340,000 | -- | -- | -- |
Capped Bust Quarter Eagle: A Redefined Classic
The Capped Bust Quarter Eagle, minted from 1808 to 1834, was a new take on the Capped Bust Liberty design from the earlier Turban Head Quarter Eagle. Notably, Liberty now faces left, distinguishing it from its right-facing predecessor. Due to its limited production and survival rate, this series remains one of the most desirable among early U.S. gold coins.
The Evolution of the Capped Bust Quarter Eagle
The U.S. Mint introduced the Capped Bust Quarter Eagle in 1808, with a fresh design by John Reich, who sought to modernize American coinage. Liberty now faced left, wearing a more defined cap with curls cascading along her profile. The reverse retained the heraldic eagle with a more proportionate and refined appearance. The series was produced sporadically, with large gaps in mintage between certain years, making each issue particularly noteworthy.
Collecting the Capped Bust Quarter Eagle
This quarter eagle is one of the rarest early U.S. gold coins, as production was limited, and many early examples were melted down. Collectors prize it for its artistry, historical significance, and scarcity. With fewer surviving examples, high-grade specimens command strong premiums.
Collector’s Guide: Essential Tips
- Where to Look: Major numismatic auctions and high-end dealers are the best places to find authenticated examples.
- Key Features to Assess: Seek out coins with strong hair and cap details on the obverse and a well-struck eagle on the reverse. Wear is common, but well-preserved examples are exceptionally valuable.
- Storage Recommendations: Proper encapsulation in certified holders prevents damage and preserves value.
Notable Rarities and Most Valuable Coins
Among the most coveted issues in this series is the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle, the sole year of production under this design before an extended hiatus. With an extremely low mintage of approximately 2,710 coins, it is one of the rarest U.S. gold coins in existence.
The later 1821-1834 issues feature slight refinements and continued low mintages, with the 1826 and 1834 issues being particularly sought after.
Investment Potential of the Capped Bust Quarter Eagle
With its rarity and historical value, the Capped Bust Quarter Eagle remains a prized investment. Coins in high-grade preservation achieve exceptional prices at auctions, and demand continues to grow. Numismatists and investors recognize this series as a foundational piece of early American gold coinage.
Key Dates and Rarities
- 1808 – The only year of this early design, making it one of the most sought-after coins in U.S. numismatics.
- 1821 – The first return of the series after more than a decade, with a refined design.
- 1826 – A low-mintage issue that remains highly desirable.
- 1834 Classic Head Transition – The final year before the transition to the Classic Head design, marking the end of an era.
The Design and Artistic Merit
John Reich’s left-facing Liberty set the Capped Bust Quarter Eagle apart from its predecessors. Liberty’s cap is more defined, with soft curls adding to the coin’s artistic appeal. The reverse retains the heraldic eagle but with a more balanced and detailed rendering, improving the coin’s overall aesthetics.
A Coveted Relic of Early Gold Coinage
The Capped Bust Quarter Eagle represents a pivotal transition in U.S. gold coinage, distinguished by its left-facing Liberty and refined artistry, which became the new norm. For collectors and investors, its rarity and historical importance make it a cornerstone of early American numismatics. Whether pursuing an elusive 1808 specimen or later-year varieties, this series remains an exciting challenge for dedicated numismatists.