Draped Bust Quarter Values
How Much Draped Bust Quarters are Worth: Draped 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25,100.00 | $36,500.00 | $44,650.00 | $59,450.00 | $76,300.00 | $148,500.00 | $222,500.00 | $330,500.00 | $614,000.00 | $2,130,000.00 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $5,475.00 | $8,630.00 | $12,115.00 | $31,250.00 | $57,250.00 | $112,000.00 | $197,750.00 | $268,250.00 | $379,500.00 | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $613 | $1,054.00 | $1,798.00 | $3,540.00 | $5,170.00 | $11,150.00 | $19,850.00 | $40,800.00 | $89,900.00 | $176,000.00 |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $613 | $1,054.00 | $1,770.00 | $3,540.00 | $4,813.00 | $11,150.00 | $19,850.00 | $37,500.00 | $110,995.00 | $225,500.00 |
| 1806/5 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $847 | $1,339.00 | $2,060.00 | $5,000.00 | $8,180.00 | $15,625.00 | $30,700.00 | $53,100.00 | $153,500.00 | $260,000.00 |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $613 | $1,054.00 | $1,770.00 | $3,540.00 | $4,813.00 | $11,150.00 | $19,850.00 | $37,500.00 | $104,750.00 | $247,500.00 |
History of the Draped Bust Quarter
The Draped Bust Quarter is one of the earliest U.S. quarters and remains a landmark issue in American numismatics. The Draped Bust Quarter was minted in 1796 and then again from 1804 to 1807. Credited to Chief Engraver Robert Scot, the Draped Bust design is believed to have been based on a portrait concept by artist Gilbert Stuart. It was the first quarter-dollar coin issued by the U.S. Mint. The obverse is rumored to be inspired by a portrait of socialite Ann Willing Bingham.
This quarter features a striking portrait of Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse. The series saw two distinct reverse designs during its production:
- Small Eagle Reverse (1796 only): A small eagle surrounded by a laurel wreath, reminiscent of the early U.S. coinage style.
- Heraldic Eagle Reverse (1804-1807): An eagle design inspired by the Great Seal of the United States, featuring a shield, arrows, and an olive branch.
Collectors seek Draped Bust Quarters for their early American origins and rarity. These coins were struck in very low numbers, making them difficult to find, especially in higher grades.
The Draped Bust Quarter was replaced in 1815 by the Capped Bust Quarter, marking a new era in American coinage.
Rarest Coins in the Series
- 1796 Small Eagle: The first U.S. quarter, extremely rare and valuable.
- 1804 Heraldic Eagle: First year the redesigned reverse appeared on the quarter denomination.
- 1805 & 1806: Popular collectible years with moderate scarcity.
- 1807: The last year of the series before transitioning to the Capped Bust Quarter.
Collectors look for die varieties, overdates, and strong strike examples, as many early quarters exhibit weak details due to the minting process.
Types of Collections
Draped Bust quarters offer a range of collectible set possibilities, each focused on different aspects of this early U.S. coin series. Here are the most recognized collection types:
- Complete Date Set: A collection focused on obtaining one Draped Bust quarter from each date of issue. Each coin represents a year in early American coinage, with 1796 being especially challenging due to its rarity and historical significance as the first year of issue.
- Type Set (Small Eagle and Heraldic Eagle): This set brings together one example of each major reverse design: the 1796 Small Eagle reverse and the 1804-1807 Heraldic Eagle reverse.
- Single-Year (1796) Set: This collection is focused solely on the 1796 issue, which is the only Draped Bust quarter minted in the 18th century and features the Small Eagle reverse. Collectors often assemble this set to acquire coins that are not only rare but also hold significant historical context.
- High Grade or Condition Census Set: Collectors seek out Draped Bust quarters in the best possible quality for each year, aiming for coins near the top of population reports. This approach is prized for the challenge of finding high-condition coins in a series that saw heavy circulation and low survival rates for pristine examples.
- Die Variety or Overdate Set: This collection focuses on major die varieties or overdates, such as the 1805/4 overdate or coins displaying noted die cracks, repunched dates, or other distinctive minting errors. The hunt for distinct varieties adds depth and technical intrigue to the set.
- Early Quarter Type Set: A broader collection that includes one example each of every design used for early U.S. quarters, such as Flowing Hair, Draped Bust Small Eagle, Draped Bust Heraldic Eagle, and Capped Bust types. This theme emphasizes the dramatic evolution of quarter designs from the late 18th to early 19th centuries.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
Draped Bust quarters were struck in relatively small quantities from 1796 to 1807 and are typically high-priced, even in lower grades, so mistakes can be costly. A new collector with an ample budget and a particular interest in early U.S. history may choose to buy a single lower-grade example from an established dealer or reputable auction house to study the type. Any purchase should be authenticated by an experienced professional, and many collectors prefer coins that have been graded and encapsulated by a third-party service. Store the coin in a certified or other archival-quality, inert holder in a stable, climate-controlled, low-humidity environment.
Advanced Collecting
Many advanced collectors specialize in Draped Bust quarters because of their rarity and historical significance. Completing a set that includes the major dates and varieties can take many years due to limited mintages and consistent demand. Coins such as the 1796 Draped Bust quarter, the first official U.S. quarter with a mintage of only a few thousand pieces, have realized record prices well into six figures in high grades. Collectors generally seek examples with as much Liberty hair detail, full denticles, and a well-defined eagle as possible. These coins are most often obtained through established auction houses, early-U.S. specialists, and important estate collections. High-grade coins are commonly kept in certified holders and stored in stable, climate-controlled, low-humidity conditions to help preserve their surfaces.
Investment Potential
The Draped Bust Quarter is historically significant and has shown strong long-term price performance. Due to low mintages and strong collector demand, these coins have seen consistent value appreciation. Dates such as 1796 and 1804 remain some of the most sought-after early American coins. Additionally, certified high-grade specimens tend to fetch premium prices at auction.