Type 2, Heraldic Eagle (Draped Bust Quarter)

Designed by: Robert Scot
Issue Dates: 1804-1807
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Diameter: 27.5 mm
Weight: 6.74 grams (104.01 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 554,900
Proof Mintage: None

Scarce Survivors of the Early U.S. Mint – Draped Bust Quarters 1804–1807

Following the debut of the quarter dollar denomination in 1796, production was suspended until 1804, at ... Read More

Scarce Survivors of the Early U.S. Mint – Draped Bust Quarters 1804–1807

Following the debut of the quarter dollar denomination in 1796, production was suspended until 1804, at which point the U.S. Mint reintroduced the Draped Bust quarter with a Heraldic Eagle reverse. This historic design, based on the Great Seal of the United States, features Miss Liberty facing right, hair in tresses, with flowing drapery and a ribbon behind her head. The obverse includes 13 stars—seven left, six right—and the date below. The reverse showcases a commanding eagle with a shield on its breast, E PLURIBUS UNUM in a scroll, and a 25 C. denomination placed at the lower border.

Why Collect the 1804–1807 Draped Bust Quarter Series?

✅ Low Mintage Issues – All Scarce, Especially the 1804 (6,738 minted)
✅ Final Draped Bust Quarter Design Prior to Classic Head Type
✅ Heraldic Eagle Reverse Used Across All Silver Denominations
✅ Elusive in AU and Rare in Uncirculated
✅ Collectible Varieties Include the 1806/5 Overdate

Collectibility & Market Insight:

Collectors pursuing Draped Bust quarters for sale from this era will find the 1804 issue particularly compelling, with its status as the first of the Heraldic Eagle subtype and a notably low mintage. While coins in About Good to Fine are seen on the market with some regularity, Extremely Fine and AU examples are elusive, and Uncirculated pieces are seldom encountered.

The 1806/5 overdate is a popular variety, though not particularly rare. Striking characteristics across the series are notoriously soft—especially on the stars and rims—which adds complexity and challenge to finding high-quality examples. Collectors should not expect perfect strikes; lightly struck obverse stars and weak reverse stars above the eagle's head are typical.

The 1804 quarter, while struck in low numbers, is also one of the most desirable early U.S. quarters. A few stunning Mint State examples exist, including a prooflike piece once sold by Lester Merkin for $25,000 in the 1970s—an immense figure for the time and a testament to this issue’s allure.

Available Grades & Recommendations:

About Good to Fine: Most common and ideal for early U.S. type sets
Very Fine to AU: Scarce; often with soft strikes but desirable eye appeal
Uncirculated (MS): Extremely rare; most show characteristic weakness in strike
Certified Examples: NGC and PCGS-graded pieces recommended for authentication and long-term value
Why Buy from Paradime Coins

✔️ Certified & Guaranteed Authentic by Leading Grading Services
✔️ Numismatist-Curated Inventory of Key Date U.S. Type Coins
✔️ Historical Provenance Included Where Available
✔️ Secure Checkout & Insured Shipping on Every Order

Own a Foundational Piece of Early American Coinage

Whether you're building an early quarter type set, hunting for an 1804 Draped Bust quarter for investment, or acquiring a key Heraldic Eagle design, this short-lived yet historic series remains one of the most sought-after in all of numismatics.

Browse available 1804–1807 Draped Bust quarters or contact us for assistance locating a certified piece in your desired grade.

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