The quarter eagle, or $2.50 gold piece, was one of three gold coins authorized by the Mint Act of 1792, and the first quarter eagles were struck in 1796. The earliest dies carried no stars on the obverse; sixteen stars were added later in 1796. Designed by Robert Scot, the Capped Bust Right type ran through 1807.
Key facts
- Designed by: Robert Scot
- Issue dates: 1796–1807
- Composition: 91.67% gold, 8.33% copper
- Diameter: 20 mm
- Weight: 4.37 grams (67.43 grains)
- Edge: Reeded
Early U.S. gold is among the rarest and most valuable of all American coins, both because of tiny original mintages and heavy export and melting in the 1830s. The 1796 No Stars (just 963 struck, an estimated 100–125 surviving) is one of the most famous and valuable type coins in the entire U.S. series, and the 1796 With Stars (432 struck) is rarer still. Dates from 1798 onward are more attainable, though Extremely Fine and finer coins remain costly.
We actively buy Capped Bust Right quarter eagles in every grade. Send photos for a free, no-obligation offer.