I didn't know about them being workhorses. I just thought it was a bad design of the face sticking out to much and the rim on the reverse. Your right though, I do not see much of a in between from AG to VF for sale.
I can't say I know much about the quarters or dimes but I do know that the half dollars circulated heavily. Not the greatest design in the world but I do like the eagle reverse. Lady Liberty is a bit too androgynous.