Capped Bust Quarter Values
How Much Capped Bust Quarters are Worth: Capped Bust Quarter 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1815 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $365 | $520 | $780 | $2,420 | $2,835 | $4,205 | $7,000 | $13,275 | $32,100 | $72,000 |
| 1818 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $226 | $331 | $570 | $1,453 | $2,158 | $4,205 | $7,000 | $8,630 | $32,100 | $55,495 |
| 1819/5 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $226 | $331 | $570 | $1,453 | $2,158 | $4,205 | $7,000 | $8,630 | $32,100 | $50,250 |
| 1819 | (None) Phil | Small 9 | -- | $226 | $331 | $570 | $1,578 | $2,283 | $4,925 | $9,235 | $18,250 | $40,100 | $65,000 |
| 1819 | (None) Phil | Large 9 | -- | $226 | $331 | $570 | $1,453 | $2,350 | $5,310 | $12,175 | $22,675 | $47,000 | -- |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Small O | -- | $226 | $331 | $570 | $1,453 | $2,283 | $4,675 | $10,925 | $16,875 | $37,900 | $86,300 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Medium O | -- | $247 | $408 | $692 | $1,761 | $2,499 | $5,118 | $11,393 | $20,063 | $41,940 | $125,000 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Large O | -- | $226 | $331 | $570 | $1,453 | $2,600 | $6,250 | $13,495 | $17,150 | $41,500 | $79,900 |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $226 | $331 | $570 | $1,453 | $2,158 | $4,205 | $7,000 | $8,630 | $55,495 | $70,500 |
| 1822 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $377 | $598 | $990 | $2,075 | $3,375 | $7,138 | $12,175 | $35,400 | $60,000 | $100,000 |
| 1822 | (None) Phil | 25/50C | -- | $9,825 | $20,200 | $25,175 | $37,750 | $46,175 | $65,000 | $91,250 | $112,000 | $153,500 | $198,000 |
| 1824/2 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,032 | $1,605 | $2,075 | $4,010 | $6,915 | $31,000 | $74,750 | $156,250 | $250,000 | -- |
| 1825/4/(2) | (None) Phil | Browning 23 SRS: R3 | -- | $280 | $518 | $675 | $1,535 | $2,225 | $5,950 | $8,580 | $14,180 | $34,300 | $52,000 |
| 1825/4/2 | (None) Phil | Browning 1 SRS: R5 | -- | $515 | $962 | $1,303 | $2,976 | $3,960 | $4,840 | $6,776 | $24,598 | $31,460 | $48,400 |
| 1825/4/(2) | (None) Phil | Browning 2 SRS: R3 | -- | $267 | $493 | $625 | $1,410 | $2,350 | $5,950 | $8,580 | $14,180 | $34,300 | $49,500 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $226 | $331 | $570 | $1,453 | $2,158 | $4,205 | $7,000 | $10,870 | $37,050 | $80,200 |
| 1831 | (None) Phil | Small Letters | -- | $123 | $141 | $190 | $421 | $708 | $2,144 | $3,900 | $6,500 | $46,495 | $42,995 |
| 1831 | (None) Phil | Large Letters | -- | $123 | $141 | $190 | $421 | $708 | $2,350 | $4,700 | $9,213 | $31,250 | -- |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $123 | $141 | $190 | $421 | $708 | $2,144 | $3,900 | $6,500 | $26,050 | $30,800 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $123 | $148 | $208 | $507 | $830 | $2,600 | $4,480 | $11,495 | $22,400 | $64,500 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $150 | $141 | $190 | $421 | $708 | $2,144 | $3,900 | $6,500 | $33,495 | $39,000 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $125 | $180 | $190 | $421 | $708 | $2,144 | $3,900 | $6,775 | $24,900 | $91,250 |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $123 | $141 | $190 | $421 | $708 | $2,240 | $4,670 | $8,375 | $46,995 | $59,500 |
| 1837 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $123 | $141 | $200 | $421 | $708 | $2,144 | $3,900 | $6,500 | $16,050 | $47,000 |
| 1838 | (None) Phil | Capped Bust | -- | $123 | $141 | $190 | $421 | $708 | $2,144 | $3,900 | $6,500 | $26,000 | $50,000 |
Overview
The Capped Bust Quarter, minted from 1815 to 1838, is a significant piece of early American coinage. Designed by John Reich, this quarter features a left-facing Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap secured by a band inscribed with “LIBERTY” on the obverse. The reverse showcases a heraldic eagle with a shield holding arrows and an olive branch. Collectors value Capped Bust Quarters for their historical importance, scarce key dates, and distinctive design, making them an essential addition to early U.S. coin collections.
History of the Capped Bust Quarter
The Capped Bust Quarter was introduced in 1815, replacing the earlier Draped Bust Quarter, after quarter production halted due to the War of 1812. Designed by John Reich, the new design aimed to create a more balanced and refined image of Liberty.
The series can be divided into two distinct types:
- Large Diameter (1815-1828) – Measured 27 mm with a lettered edge.
- Reduced Diameter (1831-1838) – Measured 24.3 mm, with a reeded edge for improved minting efficiency.
The Seated Liberty Quarter replaced the Capped Bust Quarter in 1838, reflecting another shift in American coinage.
Collecting Capped Bust Quarter Coins
Collectors seek Capped Bust Quarters due to their low mintages, historical context, and scarce varieties. Many of these coins were heavily circulated, making well-preserved examples particularly valuable.
Some of the most desirable issues in the series include:
- 1815 – The first-year issue struck in low numbers due to post-war silver shortages.
- 1823/2 Overdate – One of the rarest U.S. quarters, featuring a 3 struck over a 2.
- 1827 – Extremely rare, with very few known examples.
- 1834 Large & Small Date Varieties – A popular variety among collectors.
- Proof Issues (1834-1838) – Rare early proof strikes add another level of desirability.
Additionally, collectors look for overdates, repunched numerals, and die varieties, which make this series even more intriguing.
Tips for Collectors
- Where to Find Them: Capped Bust Quarters are typically found at high-end coin auctions, major coin dealers, and estate collections.
- Key Details to Watch For: Look for sharp details in Liberty’s cap, bold star definition, and strong eagle feathers on the reverse.
- Proper Storage: Store Capped Bust Quarters in certified holders or temperature-controlled safes to prevent oxidation and damage.
Most Valuable Coin
One of the most valuable coins in this series is the 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter, an extremely rare overdate that commands premium prices at auction. Additionally, the 1827 quarters, which are known primarily in proof format, are considered one of the great rarities of U.S. numismatics.
Investment Potential
The Capped Bust Quarter is a highly collectible and valuable series offering strong investment potential. Key dates like 1815, 1823/2, and 1827 are particularly desirable due to their scarcity and historical appeal. High-grade certified examples continue to see strong demand, making them a stable investment within the numismatic market.
Key Dates and Varieties
Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates and varieties:
- 1815 – First-year issue, struck in limited quantities.
- 1823/2 Overdate – A significant key date, one of the rarest U.S. quarters.
- 1827 – Known primarily in proof format, making it exceptionally rare.
- 1834 Large & Small Date – A sought-after variety.
- Proof Issues (1834-1838) – Rare early proof strikes.
Notable Errors
- Overdates – Such as 1823/2, where the numeral 3 was struck over a 2.
- Repunched Numerals – Some dates display misaligned or repunched elements.
- Weak Strikes – Well-struck examples are highly prized due to early minting techniques.
Design Features
The Capped Bust Quarter, designed by John Reich, features a left-facing Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap with a ribbon inscribed “LIBERTY” on the obverse. The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, with a shield at its chest.
Key design modifications include:
- Large Diameter (1815-1828): Featured a lettered edge and measured 27 mm.
- Small Diameter (1831-1838): Reduced to 24.3 mm and introduced a reeded edge for better minting efficiency.
Conclusion
The Capped Bust Quarter is a historically significant and highly collectible piece of early American coinage. It offers numismatists a wide variety of key dates, overdates, and minting varieties. With its scarcity, artistic design, and investment potential, this series remains a cornerstone of classic U.S. coin collections.