Draped Bust Quarter Dollars

Besides early coppers and dimes I also have an interest in draped and capped bust quarters. The older the better.
Early quarters, more so of the Draped Bust type are also interesting because they are relatively scarce: the mint in the early days did not really see the need for a coin in this denomination, specially since the need for small silver coinage was well served by the Spanish or Spanish American two reales coin which circulated widely. Total mintage of all draped bust quarters minted between 1796 and 1807 was a relatively small half a million.

Only 6146 quarters were minted in 1796 with the small eagle reverse. These are today accordingly scarce and are desirable as a one-year type. Mintage was only resumed in 1804 with a 4-year production run, this time with the Heraldic Eagle reverse. The first year of this new type was also minted in small numbers with 6738 examples struck in that year. 1804 quarters are actually scarcer than those of 1796, but not valued by collectors as highly as those of 1796. Everyone wants an 1796 and the prices reflect
that.

These are my examples - one for each year of mintage. Still missing the 1796 (of course) and the 1806/5 which the Red Book lists separately.

1804 Browning Variety-1, R-4:


1805 Browning-4, R-4:

 

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A concise and informative internet source for Draped Bust Quarters for those who are interested:
https://www.ngccoin.com/coin-explorer/early-quarters-1796-1838-pscid-34

1806 Quarter: unfortunately quite damaged on obverse
(but a rare variety Browning-6, rarity-5).


1807, Browning 2, R-3.

 

Nix wie los, mein Freund!

 

Really nice collection. I only have one in my type set. This makes me want to start collecting these.

 

I am drooling right now, Nice Coins!

 

I've got one -- for my type set.
It's an 1806 PCGS VF-35 CAC
Don't know the Browning Number.
I don't ever expect to get a 1796 unless I win the lottery.

1806 Draped Bust Quarter/Heraldic Eagle Reverse - PCGS VF-35 CAC



> Later <

Okay, looked it up.
It appears to be a B-3, R-1

 

Wonderful examples @Eduard! This is definitely a dream coin for me!

 

Thank you!
When I was 23 and had just landed my first job I also dreamt of owning a draped bust quarter, but no money!
This was the first example I could afford and I loved it in spite of its problems.

I still have it.

 

That’s so awesome that you still have it.

 

I love these old quarters, and designs

 

Yes, I love it too! It reminds of several US pieces I have, copper & silver, of the same period which I’m still fond of in spite of their flaws ... or maybe because of, since they tell so much of the history of the era. And even though they’ve been long since upgraded.

 

The 1804 is definitely my favorite, Eduard! Not many can say they have one, and quite scarce, especially when fully original as yours is! I love Draped Bust coins, especially the Dimes!!

Can we see your Draped Bust Dimes?

 

Boy, the 1805 is über-nice!

 

WOW

 

Really nice coins, Eduard. I love that sort of violet-gray tone on old original silver. And an 1804! Tough coin. I have just one, an 1806, I think.

 

Thank you!
I think you've previously mentioned your 1806 quarter, but I don't believe you have posted it. Would love to see it.

 

No problem.
I have posted them before, but here is the 1796, JR-2.


And the 1801, JR-2:

 

*DROOL* Eduard, you most certainly have an eye for early U.S. Coinage!!! I LOVE the 1796!!