Designed by: Robert Scot
Issue Dates: 1796-1807
Composition: 91.67% gold, 8.33% copper
Diameter: 20 mm
Weight: 4.37 grams (67.43 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 18,524
Proof Mintage: None
Following the brief 1796 issue of the Capped Bust Right ... Read More
Designed by: Robert Scot
Issue Dates: 1796-1807
Composition: 91.67% gold, 8.33% copper
Diameter: 20 mm
Weight: 4.37 grams (67.43 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 18,524
Proof Mintage: None
Following the brief 1796 issue of the Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle without stars, the U.S. Mint revised the design to include obverse stars flanking Miss Liberty's portrait, aligning the coin more closely with contemporary stylistic conventions of the era. These early $2.50 gold pieces, minted between 1796 and 1807, are some of the rarest and most desirable in the U.S. gold series.
Obverse: Features Miss Liberty facing right, wearing a soft cap secured with a ribbon inscribed LIBERTY, her neckline draped in a classical gown. The addition of 13 stars, arranged in varying left-right combinations depending on the year, distinguishes this subtype. For instance:
1796 with Stars: 8 stars left, 8 right (16 total)
1797: 7 left, 6 right
1798: 6 left, 7 right
1802/1: 8 left, 5 right
1806: Known with both 8 left/5 right and 7 left/6 right arrangements
Reverse: Carries the Heraldic Eagle based on the Great Seal of the United States, with a shield on its breast, olive branch and arrows in its talons, and a scroll in its beak reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. A constellation of stars and cloud arc appears above, with the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounding. No denomination is stated on the coin.
All quarter eagles struck during this 1796–1807 span are rare, with many dates surviving in extremely limited numbers.
Due to their overall scarcity, the varied star arrangements are not typically collected as separate types, though they remain of interest to advanced specialists.
Most surviving examples grade Very Fine to Extremely Fine, with Very Fine being typical. AU and Uncirculated specimens are highly elusive, and command significant premiums when offered.
As with other early U.S. gold issues, adjustment marks (from mint weight regulation) and light strikes are common and expected features, not detracting from a coin's historical value or desirability.
These coins represent the earliest circulating gold quarter eagles in American history.
Their low survival rates and stunning, classical designs make them trophy pieces in any early U.S. gold collection or type set.
Despite their visual similarity to the No Stars variety, the With Stars subtype encompasses multiple years and mints, providing variety for the specialist and challenge for the registry competitor.
At ParadimeCoins.com, we proudly specialize in high-grade early U.S. gold, including PCGS- and NGC-certified Capped Bust Quarter Eagles. Whether you're building a U.S. type set or seeking a cornerstone rarity, we can assist in sourcing and securing exceptional examples, including CAC-approved specimens when available.
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