The first quarter dollars struck in the United States were the Draped Bust Quarters. This series was produced with two distinctive reverse designs, creating two rare and important subtypes. The first of these was struck in a single year in 1796, also representing the first year for the denomination. Following a gap in production, the second reverse design was used from 1804 until the conclusion of the series in 1807. Only a limited number of coins were produced during the brief duration of the series, with both the 1796 and 1804 dates being rarities. The remaining dates of 1805, 1806, and 1807 are a bit more available, but far from common.

 

The introduction of the Capped Bust Quarter series represented the resumption of production for the denomination following an eight year hiatus. The design was notably different from the early quarter dollars, which had been struck in limited quantities. Although mintages for the new series were more plentiful, it can still be a challenge for collectors to find examples in mint state grades. In 1831, the diameter of the denomination was reduced and the design was slightly altered, creating two subtypes for the Capped Bust Quarters.