QUARTER DOLLAR 1796 Draped Bust, Small Eagle
Description
The year 1796 was the first year the Quarter was minted. To find one in any condition is truly momentous, but be careful when examining the highest grade in this coin. While some catalogs offer this coin as a Proof, there is no evidence Proof coins were ever stuck. There are several dozen prooflike coins in existence.
The obverse features Miss Liberty facing right, with flowing hair and a ribbon behind her head, with drapery covering a plunging neckline. LIBERTY is above and the date 1796 is below. Eight stars are to the left and seven to the right. Around the border are prominent denticles. The reverse has an open wreath tied with a bow at the bottom, enclosing a small eagle perched on a cloud. UNITED STATES OF AMERI- CA surrounds. There is no indication of value or denomination.
Examples of 1796 quarters are found in all grades, with those from About Good to Fine being most often seen. Probably several hundred survive. Very Fine coins are scarce, Extremely Fine pieces are scarcer yet, and AU or better examples are seldom met with.
Valuation
- COIN NAME
- QUARTER DOLLAR 1796 Draped Bust, Small Eagle
- DESIGNED BY
- Robert Scot
- ISSUE DATE
- 1796
- COMPOSITION
- 0.8924 part silver, 0.1076 part copper
- DIAMETER
- 27.5 mm
- WEIGHT
- 104 grains
- EDGE
- Reeded
- BUS MINT
- 6,146
- PROOF MINT
- None
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