1831–1838: Capped Bust Quarter (Small Size Layout)

Toned 1834 Capped Bust quarter small-size type with obverse and reverse shown side by side on white

Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1831-1838

Country: United States

Denomination: Quarter dollar

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: 89.24% silver through 1836; 90% silver in 1837-1838

Silver fineness: 89.24% through 1836; 90% in 1837-1838

Silver weight: About 0.1934 oz ASW through 1836; 0.1933 oz ASW in 1837-1838

Weight: 6.74 g through 1836; 6.68 g in 1837-1838

Diameter: 24.3 mm

Thickness: Approx. 1.75 mm

Edge: Reeded

Designer: John Reich / William Kneass

Design identification

Obverse: Liberty bust portrait.

Reverse: Heraldic eagle with shield, olive branch, arrows, and 25 C below on the reduced-diameter format.

1831–1838: Capped Bust Quarter (Small Size Layout) history

1831–1838: Capped Bust Quarter (Small Size Layout) reduced the quarter’s diameter and tightened the device layout while retaining the Capped Bust theme and 25 C. denomination. The smaller format began in 1831 and remained until the Seated Liberty quarter appeared in 1838.

Date size, motto spacing, portrait details, and Browning die marriages identify individual varieties. The type uses the old subsidiary-silver standard throughout its run.