Designed by: Robert Scot
Issue Date: 1796
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Diameter: 27.5 mm
Weight: 6.74 grams (104.01 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 6,146
Proof Mintage: None

The First U.S. Quarter – A Foundational Rarity in American Numismatics

The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter holds a revered position as the first quarter dollar struck by the United States Mint and the only issue bearing the Draped ... Read More

Designed by: Robert Scot
Issue Date: 1796
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Diameter: 27.5 mm
Weight: 6.74 grams (104.01 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 6,146
Proof Mintage: None

The First U.S. Quarter – A Foundational Rarity in American Numismatics

The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter holds a revered position as the first quarter dollar struck by the United States Mint and the only issue bearing the Draped Bust obverse paired with the Small Eagle reverse. With a tiny mintage of just 6,146 pieces, this one-year type is considered a cornerstone rarity for collectors of early American coinage.

The obverse features Miss Liberty facing right, adorned with flowing hair and ribbon, draped in classical fabric across the neckline. Eight stars to the left and seven to the right represent the 15 states in the Union. The reverse depicts a delicate eagle perched on a cloud, encircled by an open wreath—without any denomination inscription, consistent with early U.S. silver types.

Why the 1796 Quarter Is a Collector Essential:

✅ First Year of Quarter Dollar Production
✅ Only Year with Draped Bust + Small Eagle Pairing
✅ Key Type Coin with Distinctive Design & Low Mintage
✅ Sought After in All Grades – Especially in EF to MS
✅ Prooflike and Presentation Examples Known


Rarity & Market Insight:

While circulated examples from About Good to Fine are more frequently encountered, even these command strong demand. Very Fine and Extremely Fine examples are elusive, and AU or Mint State 1796 quarters are considered trophy coins in any advanced cabinet. Most Uncirculated examples are found with prooflike surfaces, and some are suspected to be early presentation pieces or special strikes.

A famed group of brilliant Uncirculated 1796 quarters was dispersed by dealers like Abe Kosoff and James Macallister in the mid-20th century, but such appearances are exceedingly rare today.

Due to their bold rim denticles and high-relief devices, even heavily worn 1796 quarters often display a full date and strong central design, making them especially desirable to early type set builders.

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Add a Foundational Piece to Your Early U.S. Type Set
Whether you're acquiring your first early quarter, upgrading to a certified Mint State example, or seeking one of the earliest presentation strikes of U.S. coinage, the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter with Small Eagle reverse is a centerpiece of American numismatics.

Explore availability or request a specific grade. Our inventory changes frequently, and demand for early quarter types has never been higher.