Capped Bust Quarter Value
1815–1838 · 25¢ · 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $50.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $120.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $350.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $2,000 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $6,000 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $30,000 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1823/2 | Overdate variety, scarce in all grades | $5,000–$40,000 |
| 1827 | Only proofs and restrikes known, extremely rare | $50,000–$150,000 |
| 1815 | First year of issue after 19-year hiatus | $100–$3,000 |
| 1818/5 | Overdate variety with 8 over 5 | $100–$2,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- John Reich
- Years
- 1815–1838
- Denomination
- 25¢
- Composition
- 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
- Diameter
- 24.3 mm
- Weight
- 6.74 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Capped Bust Quarter: History & Background
The Capped Bust Quarter was designed by John Reich and features Liberty wearing a cloth cap with the word LIBERTY inscribed on the headband. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with a shield. No quarters were produced from 1796 to 1814 due to limited demand, making 1815 the effective restart of the denomination. The Large Size version (1815-1828) was produced without a motto, while the Small Size (1831-1838) was reduced in diameter. Most dates are scarce, particularly in grades above Fine.
How to Grade a Capped Bust Quarter
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Capped Bust Quarter Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Capped Bust Quarters is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $50.00 in Poor to $2,000 in Uncirculated — a 40× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $6,000 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Capped Bust Quarter series has 4 notable key dates. The 1823/2 is valued at $5,000–$40,000, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Precious Metal Content
With a composition of 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper and a weight of 6.74g, the Capped Bust Quarter carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When silver prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by John Reich, the Capped Bust Quarter (24.3mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Capped Bust Quarter
The Capped Bust Quarter (1815–1838) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by John Reich, this 25¢ coin was struck in 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper with a diameter of 24.3mm and weight of 6.74 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Capped Bust Quarter series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $350.00 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 4 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Capped Bust Quarter in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $6,000+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Capped Bust Quarter valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Capped Bust Quarter: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Capped Bust Quarter worth today?
A Capped Bust Quarter (1815–1838) is worth between $50.00 in Poor condition and $2,000 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $350.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $6,000 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of silver.
▶What is the most valuable Capped Bust Quarter?
The most valuable Capped Bust Quarter is the 1823/2 — overdate variety, scarce in all grades. This date is valued at $5,000–$40,000 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Capped Bust Quarter?
Grading a Capped Bust Quarter starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$350.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$2,000) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Capped Bust Quarters?
For common-date Capped Bust Quarters in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Capped Bust Quarter?
Yes. Known Capped Bust Quarter errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. This series has notable varieties such as the 1823/2. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Capped Bust Quarter is real?
Authentic Capped Bust Quarters weigh 6.74 grams and measure 24.3 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Capped Bust Quarter the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Capped Bust Quarters are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $1,880 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1823/2 command large premiums; (3) Silver spot price — sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Capped Bust Quarters were made?
The Capped Bust Quarter was produced from 1815–1838. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1823/2 is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Capped Bust Quarter?
Never clean a Capped Bust Quarter or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Capped Bust Quarter a good investment?
Capped Bust Quarters in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic silver value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Capped Bust Quarter dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.