The History of the Quarter Dollar Coin

The state quarter design was instituted in 1999.

Since its introduction to United States coinage in 1796, the quarter dollar has undergone many design and composition changes. Congress authorized the coinage of American money in 1792, including the 25-cent piece, and the coin has been an integral part of U.S. economics since then. Quarters, especially those in good condition, are highly prized by numismatists.

Types

The original quarter design, from 1796 to 1807, is known as the draped bust design and features Lady Liberty in profile on the front. The capped bust design, from 1815 to 1838, also features a profile of Lady Liberty, but this time she faces left instead of right. The quarter minted from 1838 to 1891 is known as Liberty seated because it features a sitting Lady Liberty holding a flag and shield. The Barber quarter, from 1892 to 1916, is named after its designer, Charles E. Barber. Liberty holds an olive branch and shield on the standing Liberty quarter minted from 1916 to 1930. George Washington has been featured on the front of the quarter since 1932.

Composition

Silver dominated the composition of the quarter until the increasingly valuable metal was phased out of coin production by the U.S. Mint in 1965. Early quarters contained about 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. Since 1965, the quarter has been composed of 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel.

Dimensions

Through the years, the diameter of the quarter varied, generally from 24 to 27mm. Its weight has been from 5 to 7g. Earlier quarters weighed slightly more due to their heavier, silver content.

Mint Locations

Initially, quarters were minted only in Philadelphia. Over the years, the Treasury Department created mint locations in other cities, including New Orleans, Carson City, San Francisco and Denver. As of 2010, the U.S. Mint maintained locations in Philadelphia, San Francisco and Denver, and quarters are struck at each of these places. Except for those minted in Philadelphia, each quarter is stamped with a mint mark; quarters made in Philadelphia do not usually carry a mint mark. The mint mark "S" stands for San Francisco while "D" is for Denver.

Fun Fact

A value was not listed on the quarter until 1804, when "25c" was added to the coin's reverse. In 1838, the letters "QUAR. DOL." were used instead. The value was not spelled out entirely until 1892.

References

• "Whitman's Red Book: A Guide Book to United States Coins 2008;" R.S. Yeoman; 2008
• BestCoin.com: Coin Grading and Values