USA 25 cents Capped Bust Quarter small eagle 1815
USA, Philadelphia
Rarity
Rare
Attributes of Coins
| Region | USA |
|---|---|
| Denomination | ¼ dollar |
| Krause number | KM# 44 |
| Mintage | 89,235 |
| Metal | Silver 0.893 |
| diameter | 27 mm |
| weight | 6.74 g |
Obverse:
Liberty
Star
Creators:
John Reich
LIBERTY
Reverse:
Coat of arms
Creators:
John Reich
25 C.
E PLURIBUS UNUM
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Introduction of Coins
Eight years had elapsed since quarter dollars were coined by the U. S. Mint when in July of 1815 it received an order for this denomination from the Planters Bank of New Orleans. Mint Director Robert L. Patterson attempted to fill the request with some other denomination, as no quarter dollar dies or hubs were on hand for the John Reich design adopted years earlier for the dime and half dollar. The bank, however, was adamant, and the Mint had no choice but to prepare the necessary tools. This greatly delayed the fulfillment of the bank's order, and this 1815's mintage was delivered in two warrants dated December 16 and January 10, respectively. These employed a single pair of dies. Mint State examples have survived in sufficient numbers to supply the demand from advanced type collectors, and nice circulated pieces are available, too, in numbers greater than this date's mintage would suggest. As the first quarter dollar of the Reich type, a fair number appear to have been saved for their novelty. Some examples are known having the letters "E" or "L" punched above Liberty's head, and it's believed that these were so marked as presentation pieces to note proficiency in English or Latin, respectively. Since most such counterstamped quarters are dated 1825, it's likely that the prizes were made at that time.Read More
