Coin Specifications

The Washington Quarter was introduced in 1932, replacing the Standing Liberty Quarter, which was minted for the last time in 1930. The new series was originally intended to be issued for only one year to celebrate George Washington’s bicentennial. The popularity of the design led to the continued use until 1998.

Washington Quarters were issued with a composition of 90% silver for the beginning of the series from 1932 to 1964. During this time, the coins were produced for circulation at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. All proof coins of this era were produced at Philadelphia. From 1992 to 1998, the US Mint also produced silver quarters of the same specifications for sale to collectors in special sets. These coins were all minted at San Francisco.

Silver Washington Quarter Coin Specifications

quarters washington

The Classic Head Half Cent was the third design used for the half cent denomination. It was used from the introduction in 1809 through 1836, the date of a rare proof only issue. John Reich was the designer of the coin which features a head of Liberty wearing a headband with the word “Liberty” on the obverse and a wreath of laurel leaves encircling the denomination on the reverse. The Classic Head Half Cent would have the same coin specifications as the previous Draped Bust design, although a refinement of minting techniques would make the actual specifications of most coins closer to the stands.

As with all small denomination coins of the era, production took place at the Philadelphia Mint only. Despite the span of the series, sporadic production reduces the number of dates in the series to just thirteen dates, including two struck in proof only version.

Classic Head Half Cent Coin Specifications

half cents classic head

The Liberty Cap Half Cent was the first series for the smallest denomination of the United States authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792. As such it has become an important coin historically and a desirable issue for type set collectors. The obverse of the coin features an image of Liberty facing left (1794) and facing right (1795-1797). A cap appears on a pole behind her head the inscriptions “Liberty” and the date appear above and below. The reverse features a laurel wreath with the denomination and “United States of America”.

During the course of the short series, the Liberty Cap Half Cent underwent a change in specifications. The official weight was reduced from 6.74 grams to 5.44 grams starting with 1795. The edge of the coin was also changed to lettered to plain, although some lettered edge coins exist for dates after the standard had changed.

Liberty Cap Half Cent Coin Specifications

half cents liberty cap

The Morgan Dollar was a silver dollar issued from 1878 to 1904. One more year of production took place in 1921. The coin takes its name from the designer George T. Morgan. The coin’s obverse features an image of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap with agricultural elements including wheat, oak, and cotton incorporated into the band. The reverse of the coin features a Bald Eagle grasping an olive branch and arrows with a wreath surrounding. Morgan Dollars were minted usually in high numbers at five different mints, although there are several key dates. Similar to other coins of the era the composition was 90% silver and 10% copper.

Morgan Dollar Coin Specifications

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The America the Beautiful Quarter series will continue the issuance of quarter dollar coins with rotating reverse designs that was established by the 50 State Quarters Program and continued by the US Territories and District of Columbia Quarters Program. The new series will be structured around the different states and territories, but the designs will take focus on National Parks and National Sites at each location. The obverse of each of the coins will feautre a restored portrait of George Washington based on the 1932 Washington Quarter. The new America the Beautiful Quarters series is expected to be an educational experience for the public about our National Parks and other federally designated areas. The first coin is scheduled to be released in 2010 and the series will continue for 56 different coins until 2021. Coins will be issued in clad composition for circulation and the clad version of the proof set.

America the Beautiful Quarter Coin Specifications

quarters America the Beautiful