Coin Specifications

Representing the longest duration for a design on the quarter dollar denomination so far was the Liberty Seated Quarter series which spanned from 1838 to 1891. While the basic design did remain unchanged for this entire period, there were several subtle changes in design as well as adjustments to weight.

The image of Liberty Seated on a rock with a pole and shield was designed by Christian Gobrecht. The original concept is said to be derived from images of Britannia, used on British coinage. The reverse of each coin features a bald eagle, facing left. A shield is at the eagle’s breast and an olive branch and bundle of arrows are in its claws.

Originally, the Seated Liberty Quarter carried a weight of 6.68 grams. This remained the case until 1853 when the weight was lowered to 6.22 grams. To denote the change arrows were added at the date and rays were placed around the eagle. Two decades later, the weight was increased slightly to 6.25 grams. Once again, the arrows at the date were briefly used to denote the change.

Other design changes during the course of the series included adding drapery at Liberty’s elbow from 1840 onwards and adding a scroll on the reverse with the motto “In God We Trust” from 1866 onwards.

Seated Liberty Quarter Coin Specifications

quarters Seated Liberty

The series of Draped Bust Quarters represented the first design for the denomination. Introduced in 1796, and then after a production gap, struck from 1804 to 1807 with a different reverse, these coins have several interesting aspects for collectors. Two years have remarkably low mintages and the first issue represents an important one year type coin.

The Draped Bust Quarter was designed by Robert Scot. On the obverse Liberty appears facing left with her hair tied in a ribbon and folds of drapery across her bust. There are fifteen surrounding, which represented the current number of states in the union. The initial reverse design featured an eagle surrounded by a wreath of olive and palm tied with a ribbon. From 1804 to 1807, the obverse contained only 13 stars and the reverse featured a heraldic eagle with a shield before its chest and an olive branch and arrows in its talons.

The coins were struck in a composition of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper. The standard weight was 6.74 grams and diameter 27.5 mm. For the initial design, the denomination was not indicated, but for the second design it appeared as “25 C.” on the reverse.

Draped Bust Quarter Coin Specifications

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After initially being produced in a composition of 90% silver for more than 30 years, the composition of the Washington Quarter was changed to copper-nickel clad starting in 1965. This change also occurred for the dime, and the silver content of the half dollar was lowered. For the first three years that clad quarters were issued, no mint marks were used to prevent hoarding. In the following years, the Denver Mint would use the “D” mint mark and the San Francisco Mint would use the “S” mint mark for the proof issues produced there. The Philadelphia Mint began using the “P” mint mark on coins starting in 1980.

Clad composition Washington Quarters consist of an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel, bonded to a core of pure copper. This yields an overall composition of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.

Clad Washington Quarter Coin Specifications

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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

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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