Draped Bust Quarter

Draped Bust – this was the name given to a design of various United State coins which appeared from the years 1795 until 1808. It has the regular-issue of copper and silver which is common among the coins from that era…that includes Draped Bust Quarter.

All Draped Bust coins have the same obverse. Robert Scot, who is the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1793-1829, transformed the portrait of society lady, which was designed by Gilbert Stuart, into a Buxom Ms. Liberty. Some believe that this woman is a Philadelphia socialite who goes by the name of Ann Willing Bingham. This Lady Liberty stayed as it was…unchanged for the years to come. There is one exception though – and that is the extra curl which was added to her flowing locks, which came to be in 1798.

The Draped Bust Quarter, along with the other Draped Bust coins, has 3 basic reverse designs. First, for copper coins, it features the value of the coin (it’s either half cent or one cent) surrounded by a wreath or vine. Along with that, it has the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircling the headdress. During the years 1795-1797, the second reverse design appeared, which is a skinny and naturalistic bald eagle. This small eagle was shown at the reverse side of the Draped Bust Quarter.

Just in case you don’t know, the Small Eagle demanded a lot of value and price due to the low mintage during the time. However, when 1798 came, the Small Eagle was replaced with the Heraldic Eagle, which marked the third reverse design of the Draped Bust Quarter along with the other Draped Bust coins. The renowned 1804 Silver Dollar contains this Heraldic Eagle Design along with the Kennedy Half Dollar of 1964 (which is located on the coin’s reverse).