QUARTER EAGLE 1796 No Obverse Stars

Description

This is one of the truly rare coins in all of history. It is perhaps fittingly so, as it is the first quarter eagle produced. For some reason all quarter eagles were produced in lower quantities than other gold coins of the era. The first design is distinguished from the later motif by having no stars on the obverse. Designated as the Capped Bust to Right style, the first quarter eagle of 1796, features the head and shoulder portrait of Miss Liberty facing right, wearing a cloth cap, with LIBERTY above and the date below. There are no stars in the field. The reverse is of the Heraldic Eagle design similar to that used on gold and silver denominations of the 1800 era. Adapted from the Great Seal of the United States, the center motif depicts an eagle with a shield on its breast, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons, and in its beak a ribbon inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM. A galaxy of stars is above, with a group of clouds in an arc extending from one wing to the other. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. There is no mark of denomination.

Valuation

Of the 963 pieces believed to have been minted, it has been estimated that perhaps as few as 30 to 40 survive today. A few higher condition examples exist. If you find one prepare to pay for this rare piece of history.

COIN NAME
QUARTER EAGLE 1796 No Obverse Stars: DESIGNED BY
Robert Scot: ISSUE DATE
1796: COMPOSITION
0.9167 part'gold, 0.0833 part copper: DIAMETER
20 mm: WEIGHT
67.5 grains: EDGE
Reeded: BUS MINT
963 (estimated): PROOF MINT
None

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