How Many Different Types of Quarters Are There?
Uncover the unexpected diversity and historical evolution behind every US quarter in your pocket.
The United States quarter dollar, a common coin, has a rich history. This denomination has undergone numerous transformations in design and composition since its inception. The quarter’s journey reflects evolving artistic preferences, historical milestones, and economic considerations. Exploring these designs reveals a fascinating array of types.
Early American Quarter Designs
The first quarters were issued in 1796, four years after the U.S. Mint’s authorization. The initial design, known as the Draped Bust Quarter, featured a portrait of Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse, while the reverse showed a small eagle within a wreath. Produced from 1796 to 1807, with a production gap from 1797-1803, the reverse eagle design was updated to a Heraldic Eagle in 1804.
After an eight-year suspension, the Capped Bust Quarter was introduced in 1815 and minted until 1838. This design depicted Liberty wearing a cap with “LIBERTY” inscribed on a band, and the reverse featured an eagle with a shield on its breast. The Capped Bust design saw a diameter reduction in 1831, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” was removed from the reverse.
The Seated Liberty Quarter, designed by Christian Gobrecht, appeared in 1838 and remained in production until 1891. This coin displayed Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole with a liberty cap and a shield inscribed “LIBERTY.” This long-running series underwent several minor modifications, including the addition of “IN GOD WE TRUST” above the eagle on the reverse starting in 1866.
The Barber Quarter, designed by Charles E. Barber, was minted from 1892 through 1916. Its obverse featured Liberty’s head, wearing a Phrygian cap and a laurel wreath, with “LIBERTY” on her headband. The reverse displayed a heraldic eagle, and this design was shared across the dime and half dollar during the same period.
The Standing Liberty Quarter was struck from 1916 to 1930. Designed by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, the obverse showed a full-length figure of Liberty, initially with an exposed breast. Public reaction led to a design modification in early 1917, where Liberty was depicted with a coat of armor.
The Enduring Washington Quarter
The Washington Quarter first entered circulation on August 1, 1932. It commemorated George Washington’s 200th birthday and was originally a one-year commemorative issue. Congress decided to permanently replace the Standing Liberty quarter with this new design.
Sculptor John Flanagan designed the original Washington Quarter. The obverse features a left-facing bust of George Washington, with “LIBERTY” above his head and “IN GOD WE TRUST” to his left. The reverse depicts an eagle with outstretched wings, perched on a bundle of arrows and framed by olive branches.
In 1965, the coin’s composition changed. Previously, Washington quarters were 90% silver and 10% copper. Due to rising silver prices, the composition transitioned to a copper-nickel clad material (75% copper, 25% nickel) with a pure copper core. This change, often called the “Johnson Sandwich,” made the coins more economically viable for mass production.
The obverse design remained largely consistent, with minor adjustments over the years. Mint mark placement varied, appearing below the wreath on earlier silver coins and later to the right of Washington’s braid on clad issues. The original Flanagan obverse was used for decades, becoming a staple of American coinage until commemorative programs altered the reverse.
Modern Commemorative Quarter Programs
The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw an expansion in quarter designs through commemorative coin programs. These initiatives highlighted American heritage and culture.
The 50 State Quarters Program, launched in 1999, was a ten-year initiative honoring each U.S. state. The U.S. Mint released five new designs annually, following the order states ratified the Constitution or were admitted into the Union. Each state’s quarter featured a unique reverse design emblematic of its history, traditions, and symbols, while retaining a modified John Flanagan George Washington portrait on the obverse. This popular program fostered renewed interest in coin collecting.
The America the Beautiful Quarters Program commenced in 2010 and concluded in 2021. This program showcased national parks and historic sites. Continuing the model of five new designs per year, each quarter featured a distinctive reverse design representing a specific site.
The American Women Quarters Program began in 2022 and continues through 2025. This program honors prominent American women who contributed to the nation in various fields, including civil rights, science, and the arts. Up to five new reverse designs are issued annually, featuring a different woman each year, while the obverse maintains a likeness of George Washington. This series broadens the representation of American history on circulating coinage.