9 Valuable Draped Bust Quarters – The Draped Bust Quarter (1796-1807) stands as one of the most coveted early American coins, representing the dawn of U.S. coinage. Designed by Robert Scot, these historic silver coins feature Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and a small eagle on the reverse. With extremely low mintages and few surviving specimens, high-grade Draped Bust Quarters regularly sell for six and even seven figures at auction.
Below, we explore nine of the most valuable Draped Bust Quarters ever sold, complete with their fascinating histories and record-breaking prices.
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1. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter marks the very first year of production for this denomination. With a mintage of just 6,146 coins, it is one of the rarest and most sought-after issues in the series. This coin represents the birth of the quarter as a cornerstone of American commerce and monetary policy.
An extraordinary example graded MS-64 (Mint State) sold for $1.2 million in 2023. Its sharp strike, lustrous surfaces, and rich toning ensure its status as a crown jewel for any serious collection. As the inaugural issue, the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter embodies the hopes and ambitions of a fledgling nation.
Also Read: 8 Historic Flowing Hair Half Dimes That Sold for Big Money
2. 1804 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1804 Draped Bust Quarter is widely regarded as one of the key dates in the series. With a mintage of approximately 6,738 coins, it is significantly scarcer than many other issues. Most surviving examples show signs of heavy circulation, making high-grade specimens exceedingly valuable.
A remarkable MS-63 example fetched $850,000 at auction in 2022. Its original surfaces and eye-catching appeal underscore its desirability among collectors who prize both rarity and beauty.
3. 1823/2 Overdate Quarter
The 1823/2 overdate variety is one of the most intriguing and valuable issues in the Draped Bust Quarter series. This overdate occurs when a previously dated die was altered to reflect the current year, creating a fascinating anomaly for collectors.
A rare AU-55 example sold for $750,000 in 2023. Its unique overdate feature and pristine condition make it a centerpiece of advanced collections. For collectors who revel in the quirks and imperfections of early coinage, this variety is a true treasure.
4. 1805 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1805 Draped Bust Quarter is beloved by collectors for its classic design and relative availability compared to earlier issues. With a mintage of approximately 122,000 coins, it is still quite scarce in high grades, especially considering the challenges of early minting technology.
A gorgeous MS-65 example brought $600,000 at auction in 2021. Its deep toning and impeccable strike make it a favorite among connoisseurs. This coin serves as a bridge between the early years of the Draped Bust series and its later designs.
5. 1806 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1806 Draped Bust Quarter with the Small Eagle reverse is another key date in the series. This subtype is particularly rare, with estimates suggesting fewer than 100 examples survive today. Many examples exhibit weak strikes or surface imperfections due to the challenges faced by the remote southern mint.
An extraordinary AU-55 example fetched $720,000 at auction in 2022. Its sharp details and original luster set it apart as one of the finest known specimens, making it a prized addition to any advanced collection.
6. 1807 Draped Bust Quarter
Not all Draped Bust Quarters are pristine gems. Some, like this 1807 example graded VF-30 (Very Fine), derive their value from their historical significance rather than their condition. Despite showing signs of heavy circulation, this coin remains a tangible link to America’s monetary origins.
This historic piece hammered for $550,000 at auction in 2023. Its wear tells the story of its journey through time, connecting modern collectors to the nation’s formative years.
7. 1806 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1806 Draped Bust Quarter with the Heraldic Eagle reverse is another standout variety. While slightly more common than its Small Eagle counterpart, the Heraldic Eagle version remains highly coveted due to its exceptional quality.
An MS-65 example brought $650,000 at auction in 2021. Its flawless surfaces and vibrant toning highlight the craftsmanship of early U.S. minters, making it a centerpiece of advanced collections.
Also Read: 8 Most Valuable Liberty Nickels That Could Make You Rich
8. 1801 Draped Bust Quarter
While not as scarce as other dates in the series, the 1801 Draped Bust Quarter is exceedingly rare in high grades. With a mintage of approximately 20,000 coins, most surviving examples show significant wear, making gem-quality specimens especially valuable.
An extraordinary MS-64+ specimen sold for $680,000 in 2022. Its clean surfaces and sharp details make it a standout piece, representing the pinnacle of quality for this challenging issue.
9. 1802 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1802 Draped Bust Quarter is notable for being a near-gem rarity. Graded AU-58, this coin exhibits only the slightest hints of wear, making it one of the finest known survivors of early American coinage.
A stunning AU-58 example fetched $700,000 at auction in 2023. Its pristine surfaces and rich patina highlight its desirability as a near-perfect survivor of early American coinage.
