Collection: Type 2, Small Cap. Large Diameter (1821-1827)

1821–1827 $2.50 Capped Bust, Large Diameter Quarter Eagle — Early U.S. Gold Type

The reintroduction of the Quarter Eagle denomination in 1821 marked the end of a 13-year hiatus in U.S. gold coin production. Designed by John Reich, the Capped Bust, Large Diameter Quarter Eagle carries forward the artistic lineage of the earlier 1808 design, with Liberty now perfectly centered and encircled by thirteen stars in a graceful semi-circle. The reverse features a refined heraldic eagle, modestly updated for better balance and visual harmony.

Though referred to as “Large Diameter,” the actual difference between this and the later Reduced Diameter type (1829–1834) is minimal—arising primarily from the introduction of the collar die, which standardized the diameter of all subsequent gold coins.

Mintages for this short-lived type were extremely low, reflecting limited demand for small-denomination gold coinage in the 1820s. Annual outputs ranged from just 760 coins in 1826 to 4,434 pieces in 1825, with many later melted as bullion when gold prices rose above face value.

All survivors of this type are rare, particularly in high grade. Problem-free examples are the exception, and true Mint State pieces rank among the most elusive early U.S. gold coins known. The finest certified example, an 1825 Quarter Eagle graded MS-67 by PCGS, stands as one of the legendary condition rarities of early American gold coinage.