US Capped Bust Quarter Coins

The Capped Bust Quarter was a coin minted by the United States from 1815 to 1838. It featured the image of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. The design was created by renowned artist John Reich, who was the assistant engraver at the United States Mint at the time.

The Capped Bust Quarter went through several design variations during its production, which are known as the "types" of the coin. The first type, known as the "Large Diameter" or "Turban Head" type, was minted from 1815 to 1828. This design featured Liberty wearing a turban-like cap on her head, hence the name "Turban Head." The reverse showed an eagle with wings spread, perched on a branch, and holding arrows and an olive branch.

In 1828, the design was modified, and the "Capped Bust" type was introduced. The modified design featured Liberty wearing a cloth cap instead of a turban. The reverse design remained the same as the previous type. This type is commonly referred to as the "Capped Bust" or "Small Diameter" type.

During the production of the Capped Bust Quarters, minting errors and variations occurred. Some of the most notable variations include the "Overton varieties," named after Al C. Overton, who extensively studied and cataloged the different die pairings. Overton's reference work, "Early Quarter Dollars of the United States 1796-1838," is highly regarded among collectors and researchers of the series.

Capped Bust Quarters were minted at various U.S. Mint facilities, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (mint mark "O"), and occasionally at the branch mints in Dahlonega, Georgia ("D") and Charlotte, North Carolina ("C"). The Philadelphia Mint produced the majority of Capped Bust Quarters, while the branch mint issues are scarcer and generally more valuable.

The Capped Bust Quarter series ended in 1838 when it was replaced by the Seated Liberty design. However, the popularity of Capped Bust Quarters among collectors has endured, and these coins are highly sought after today. The historical significance, limited mintage numbers, and aesthetic appeal contribute to their desirability in the numismatic market.