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

Quarter dollars minted from 1804 through 1807 continue the Draped Bust obverse first used in 1796. Miss Liberty faces to the right, her hair is in tresses behind her head, with a ribbon at the back of her head, and with a drapery or gown covering her low neckline. Seven stars are to the left and six to the right. LIBERTY is above and the date is below. The reverse is an adaptation of the Great Seal of the United States and features an eagle with a shield on its breast, E PLURIBUS UNUM on a scroll or ribbon in its beak, and its talons grasping a bundle of arrows and a branch. Above the eagle is an arc of clouds with stars below. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 25 C. surrounds.

Examples of the 1804-1807 years are readily located in grades from About Good through Very Fine. Extremely Fine pieces are elusive, AU pieces are rare, and Uncirculated pieces are exceedingly rare. Virtually without exception, issues of this design are lightly struck in one or more areas, with the obverse and reverse rims, the stars on the obverse, and the stars above the eagle on the reverse being typical areas of light impression. The same situation is shared with the half dimes, dimes, half dollars of this date range.

Further Reading

Following the beginning of the denomination in 1796, quarter dollars were all but forgotten until 1804, at which time coinage recommenced. The Draped Bust obverse was continued (but with the border denticles much less pronounced). The reverse displayed the Heraldic Eagle motif used on other silver denominations. Quarters of this style were struck from 1804 through 1807 inclusive.

The 1804 is considered to be a scarce issue. It is believed that just 6,738 were minted, but there is the possibility that certain pieces bearing this date were made in the following year, 1805.

One overdate occurs within the span, the 1806/5, a variety which is not particularly elusive. Quarters of the 1804-1807 design type are notorious for being weakly struck. The low rims and the metal flow requirements of the design combined to produce relative weaknesses on just about every piece in existence. In fact, it is doubtful if there is such a thing as a piece with needle-sharp design details within this date range. Areas of weak striking usually include the stars on the obverse and, on the reverse, the stars above the eagle's head, particularly those to the upper right. 1806 and 1807 in particular are noted for their shallow strikes.

In Uncirculated grade, quarters of the 1804-1807 design are seldom seen. Two or three Mint State 1804s exist, including a spectacular piece sold by Lester Merkin for $25,000 in the early 1970s.

Uncirculated quarters of 1805, 1806, and 1807 are occasionally seen, although these invariably are weakly struck (1804 quarters seem to be the "best of the worst," so far as striking is concerned within this design type). If you are seeking a top-grade quarter of this era, Uncirculated or otherwise, keep the characteristic light striking in mind and do not expect to locate something which simply does not exist.

In worn grades examples are encountered from nearly smooth through AU. Of the dates in the 1804-1807 range, worn 1804 quarters seem to be the scarcest. For all dates, coins in Extremely Fine and AU grade are elusive, and those dated 1804 are especially so. The 1804 has always commanded a premium as the first year of issue and because of its low mintage.