6 Most Valuable Draped Bust Quarters: Coin Value Guide
The value ranges for the most valuable Draped Bust quarters is as follows:
- 1796 Draped Bust Quarter: $6,600–$2,000,000+
- 1804 Draped Bust Quarter: $2,100–$375,000+
- 1805 Draped Bust Quarter: $200–$176,000
- 1806 Draped Bust Quarter: $180–$225,500
- 1806/5 Overdate Draped Bust Quarter: $225–$260,000
- 1807 Draped Bust Quarter: $180–$247,500
The most valuable Draped Bust quarters are the 1796 and 1804 issues, prized for their extremely low mintages, historical importance, and minimal surviving populations.
As the only 18th-century quarter and the first year of issue, the 1796 stands apart, while the 1804 is exceptionally scarce due to limited production and attrition during early U.S. circulation.
Draped Bust quarters represent some of the earliest and most historically significant silver coins produced by the United States Mint.
Struck during a formative period in American coinage, these quarters are valued not only for their rarity but also for their artistry, age, and connection to the nation’s early monetary system.
Understanding which Draped Bust quarters are most valuable and why can help collectors better appreciate their significance and potential market value.
If you’re interested in knowing the true value of your rare coins or are looking to sell a Draped Bust quarter from your collection, contact Coinfully today for a free online coin appraisal.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
Year: 1796
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 6,146
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $6,600
- High: $2,000,000+
Image Credit: Professional Coin Grading Service
The 1796 Draped Bust quarter is highly sought after by collectors. It holds immense historical significance as the first quarter to ever be produced by the United States Mint, as well as being the only quarter struck in the 18th century.
This coin had an exceptionally low mintage of 6,146, and only approximately 650 examples are believed to exist across all grades.
1796 Draped Bust quarter value for circulated coins can range between $6,000 and $100,000. Higher-quality specimens can be worth millions, as demonstrated in 2022 when one such coin sold for $1,740,000 at auction.
1804 Draped Bust Quarter
Year: 1804
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 6,738
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $2,100
- High: $375,000+
Image Credit: Numismatic Guaranty Company
As the second quarter dollar ever produced by the U.S. Mint, the 1804 Draped Bust quarter is another valuable coin in this series. It features a heraldic eagle on the reverse, marking a change from the original small eagle design that was used for the 1796 series.
Due to its low production numbers, this coin is very rare and valuable across all grades. In circulated condition, it can be worth between $3,250 and $95,000.
Well-preserved examples of this coin can fetch much higher prices, as seen in 2011 when one such specimen achieved an auction record of $345,000.
1805 Draped Bust Quarter
Year: 1805
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 121,394
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $200
- High: $176,000
Image Credit: Numismatic Guaranty Company
1805 marked the United States Mint’s first serious production of quarters. Despite several challenges, including coin shortages and a lack of technical expertise and equipment, the 1805 Draped Bust quarter had a mintage of 121,394, which was a huge increase from the previous year.
Coin shortages in the early 19th century caused these coins to be highly circulated. This means that not many examples exist in uncirculated conditions, making them incredibly rare and valuable.
In circulated condition, 1805 Draped Bust quarter value ranges between $325 and $11,000. However, in high-quality condition, these coins can go for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
1806 Draped Bust Quarter
Year: 1806
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 206,124
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $180
- High: $225,500
Image Credit: Professional Coin Grading Service
The 1806 Draped Bust quarter has the second-highest mintage in the series, with over 200,000 produced, which is just behind the 1807 run. There are many circulated examples of this coin on the market; however, be careful of counterfeited or damaged coins.
In circulated condition, this coin is worth between $325 and $10,000. Uncirculated coins can be worth around $25,000.
The auction record for a coin in this series is $102,000 in 2018, but they can be priced even higher in private sales.
1806/5 Draped Bust Quarter (Overdate)
Year: 1806
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: unknown (included in 1806 run)
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $225
- High: $260,000
Image Credit: Professional Coin Grading Service
The 1806/5 Draped Bust quarter is extremely rare and highly sought after, being the only overdate in the series. It also marks the first overdate in quarter coin production. The overdate error is represented by a “6” struck over a previously engraved “5,” creating an overlap.
While this coin is fairly common in circulated grades, it is very rare and valuable in higher-quality states. In circulated condition, these coins can sell for prices ranging from $500 to $13,500. High-quality specimens can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
1807 Draped Bust Quarter
Year: 1807
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 220,643
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $180
- High: $247,500
Image Credit: Numismatic Guaranty Company
The 1807 Draped Bust quarter is significant for a few reasons. Firstly, it was the last quarter to use the Draped Bust design, and it was also the final year of production before the Mint took an eight-year-long break.
This run of quarters was also the highest yet, with just over 200,000 pieces produced. Due to these factors, this coin is sought after by collectors and historians alike.
In circulated condition, these coins are worth between $335 and $11,000. At higher grades, well-preserved examples can earn greater prices, even fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars on the market.
Factors That Make Draped Bust Quarters Valuable
Draped Bust quarters are prized primarily for their rarity, as extremely low mintages and heavy early circulation left few survivors. Many examples were worn down, melted, or lost, making original pieces exceptionally difficult to locate today.
Value increases exponentially in high grade, where coins retain original surfaces and strong design detail, which are attributes that are exceptionally scarce within the series.
Certain die variety issues further elevate desirability, while demand from advanced collectors means that a knowledgeable dealer market often drives competitive pricing for top-tier specimens.
The Fascinating History of the Draped Bust Quarter
The story of the Draped Bust quarter begins with the Coinage Act of 1792, which authorized the U.S. Mint to produce various denominations, including the quarter denomination that had yet to be issued.
Although smaller and larger denominations had circulated earlier, quarter production didn’t start until 1796 at the Philadelphia Mint under the direction of Mint leadership.
This early American coin was born from an artistic collaboration: the obverse portrait was based on a sketch by American painter Gilbert Stuart, who reportedly used Ann Willing Bingham, a celebrated socialite, as the model, while chief engraver Robert Scot prepared the dies.
Struck in 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, the Draped Bust quarter saw an initial 1796 issue with the small eagle reverse before production stopped after that year. Minted pieces resumed in 1804 with a redesigned heraldic eagle reverse that continued through 1807.
1796 Draped Bust Small Eagle Quarters
The 1796 Draped Bust Small Eagle quarter is the only U.S. quarter produced in the 18th century and remains one of the most coveted early American coins.
On the obverse of these first Draped Bust issues, Liberty faces right with long flowing hair loosely tied by a ribbon and drapery over her shoulder, encircled by fifteen stars, which was a reflection of the number of states in the union at the time.
The reverse features a delicate small eagle perched on clouds within a wreath, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the rim. This design was short-lived, making authentic 1796 small eagle pieces exceptionally rare among early numismatics.
Transition to the Heraldic Eagle Reverse (1804–1807)
When striking of Draped Bust quarters resumed in 1804, the reverse design was updated to a bold heraldic eagle resembling the Great Seal of the United States.
The obverse continued to show Liberty’s dignified draped bust, but the design was changed to 13 surrounding stars representing the original states.
On the reverse, a large eagle with a shield on its breast clutches arrows and an olive branch in its talons, while a flowing banner with E PLURIBUS UNUM arcs above.
This heraldic style remained the series’ hallmark through 1807 and strongly influenced later American silver coinage.
Rarest Coins in the Draped Bust Quarter Series
Among 1796–1807 Draped Bust quarters, the 1796 and 1804 issues stand out as the rarest and most coveted by serious collectors.
The 1796 is unique as the only quarter struck in the 18th century, with very low surviving numbers and strong demand in numismatic circles.
The 1804 pieces, especially in finer grades, are scarce because low original mintages and attrition left few high-quality survivors. These coins often command six-figure auction results when truly exceptional.
Other Valuable Early Quarters
Draped Bust quarters were struck from 1796–1807, with a hiatus from 1797 through 1803. However, this was only the beginning of the story for our nation’s quarter.
As quarter production evolved, subsequent designs introduced new artistic elements while maintaining limited mintages that continue to support strong market values. Certain key dates within each series can easily fetch six figures.
Capped Bust Quarters (1815–1838)
Capped Bust quarters followed the Draped Bust design and reflect a maturing U.S. Mint with improved striking quality.
Though more plentiful overall, early dates and well-preserved examples are scarce, making them popular additions to an early U.S. type set, especially when original detail and surfaces remain intact.
Seated Liberty Quarters (1838–1891)
Seated Liberty quarters span more than five decades and include several low-mintage issues that command significant premiums.
Early dates and branch-mint coins are especially desirable, with values driven by condition, eye appeal, and the complexity of the series’ evolving design elements and production standards.
Barber Quarters (1892–1916)
Barber quarters are valued for their classic design and challenging scarcity in higher conditions.
While many dates are common in worn grades, select issues become notably rare in high-grade condition, where sharp strikes and original surfaces sharply separate premium coins from typical survivors.
Standing Liberty Quarters (1916–1930)
Standing Liberty quarters are prized for their bold, short-lived design and notoriously weak strikes.
Early dates, particularly those with full head detail, are highly sought after, as strike quality and preservation play an outsized role in determining value within this visually striking series.
How To Determine the Value of Draped Bust Quarters and Other Rare Coins
Determining the value of Draped Bust quarters and other silver quarters begins with evaluating key quarter features such as date, strike quality, surface preservation, and overall eye appeal and then comparing similar examples through recent auction results and price guides.
However, subtle differences in surface quality, grade, or die characteristics can create large value swings, which is why a professional coin appraisal is absolutely essential, especially if you are deciding whether or not to sell your silver coins.
Professional grading is often warranted for scarce early U.S. coins, particularly when condition appears above average or market value could justify the cost of third-party certification.
Knowing how to sell silver coins the right way greatly impacts your payout, so don’t hesitate to reach out to Coinfully for guidance.
Get a Free Appraisal With Coinfully
When you’re ready to find out what your valuable coin collection is really worth, we make it easy and stress free to get clarity and confidence in your coins’ value.
Start with a free online coin appraisal where you submit photos or an inventory and our expert team evaluates each coin, educates you about market value, and provides a detailed appraisal and a zero-pressure offer.
For particularly large or historically significant collections, we offer a concierge at-home appraisal service where one of our numismatic experts travels to you, reviews your collection in person, and can make a market-leading offer on the spot.
Whether you choose online or in-person, our goal is simple: to help you understand and achieve the highest value for your coins with transparent guidance every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Contact Coinfully today to learn how much your coin collection is truly worth and receive a top-of-market offer.
The post 6 Most Valuable Draped Bust Quarters: Coin Value Guide appeared first on Coinfully - the Best Way to Sell Coins | Free Appraisals.
Original post here: 6 Most Valuable Draped Bust Quarters: Coin Value Guide
Comments
Post a Comment