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The History And Value Of The 1856 Draped Bust Quarter

butchkaliva December 31, 2024

What is an 1856 quarter?

An 1856 quarter, also known as a Seated Liberty quarter, is a 25-cent piece struck by the United States Mint from 1838 to 1891. The coin features a seated Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.

The 1856 quarter is a popular coin among collectors, as it is one of the first quarters to be struck with a new design. The Seated Liberty design was created by Christian Gobrecht, and it was used on all quarters until 1892.

The 1856 quarter is also significant because it was the first quarter to be struck with a motto. The motto "In God We Trust" was added to the coin in 1864, and it has remained on all quarters since then.

1856 quarter

The 1856 quarter, also known as the Seated Liberty quarter, is a 25-cent piece struck by the United States Mint from 1838 to 1891. It is a popular coin among collectors, as it is one of the first quarters to be struck with a new design and the first to bear the motto "In God We Trust".

Obverse: Seated Liberty
Reverse: Eagle
Designer: Christian Gobrecht
Mintage: 13,462,500
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 6.25 grams

The 1856 quarter is a significant coin in the history of American coinage. It is one of the first quarters to be struck with a new design, and it is the first quarter to bear the motto "In God We Trust". The coin is also popular among collectors, as it is one of the first quarters to be struck with a proof finish.

1. Obverse

The obverse of the 1856 quarter features a seated Liberty, a common motif on U.S. coinage from the 1830s to the early 20th century. The Seated Liberty design was created by Christian Gobrecht and was first used on the dime in 1837. It was later adapted for use on the quarter, half dollar, and dollar.

Symbol of Freedom and Independence: The seated Liberty figure represents the United States as a young nation, free from British rule. She is often depicted holding a pole topped with a liberty cap, a symbol of freedom and independence.
Classical Influence: The Seated Liberty design is heavily influenced by classical Greek and Roman art. Liberty is often shown wearing a flowing gown and a wreath of laurel leaves, symbols of victory and honor.
Variations in Design: There are several different variations of the Seated Liberty design, depending on the year and mint of issue. Some of the most notable variations include the "No Stars" variety, which has no stars on the obverse, and the "Arrows and Rays" variety, which has arrows and rays emanating from the eagle on the reverse.

The Seated Liberty design was a popular and enduring one, and it remained in use on the quarter until 1892. It is a classic example of American coin design, and it continues to be popular among collectors today.

2. Reverse

The reverse of the 1856 quarter features a heraldic eagle, a common motif on U.S. coinage since the early 19th century. The eagle is a symbol of strength, power, and freedom, and it has been used on a variety of coins, including the quarter, half dollar, and dollar.

Symbol of Strength and Power: The eagle is a powerful and majestic bird, and it has been used as a symbol of strength and power for centuries. On the 1856 quarter, the eagle is depicted with its wings spread and its talons clutching arrows, symbolizing the strength and power of the United States.
Symbol of Freedom: The eagle is also a symbol of freedom, and it has been used on U.S. coinage to represent the nation's independence. On the 1856 quarter, the eagle is depicted with a shield on its breast, symbolizing the protection of the United States from its enemies.
Variations in Design: There are several different variations of the eagle design on the 1856 quarter, depending on the year and mint of issue. Some of the most notable variations include the "Arrows and Rays" variety, which has arrows and rays emanating from the eagle, and the "No Arrows" variety, which has no arrows on the reverse.

The eagle design on the 1856 quarter is a classic example of American coin design, and it continues to be popular among collectors today.

3. Designer

Christian Gobrecht was a German-born American engraver and medalist who designed the Seated Liberty coinage, which includes the 1856 quarter. Gobrecht's work is known for its beauty and precision, and his designs have been used on some of the most iconic coins in American history.

Chief Engraver of the United States Mint: Gobrecht served as the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1840 to 1865. During his tenure, he designed a number of coins, including the Seated Liberty coinage.
Skilled Engraver: Gobrecht was a highly skilled engraver, and his work is known for its intricate detail and precision. His designs are often praised for their beauty and elegance.
Influential Designer: Gobrecht's designs have had a lasting impact on American coinage. The Seated Liberty coinage, which he designed, was used for over 50 years, and his designs continue to be used on coins today.

Gobrecht's work is a testament to his skill and artistry. His designs are beautiful, precise, and enduring, and they have helped to shape the face of American coinage.

4. Mintage

The mintage of a coin refers to the number of pieces that are struck. The mintage of the 1856 quarter was 13,462,500, which was a relatively high mintage for the time. This indicates that the 1856 quarter was a popular coin, and that it was widely circulated.

High Mintage: The mintage of the 1856 quarter was higher than the mintage of many other quarters from the same era. This suggests that the 1856 quarter was a popular coin, and that it was widely used in circulation.
Availability: The high mintage of the 1856 quarter means that it is a relatively common coin today. It is not as rare as some other quarters from the same era, and it can be found for a reasonable price.
Historical Significance: The high mintage of the 1856 quarter also provides some insights into the economic conditions of the time. The fact that so many quarters were minted in 1856 suggests that the economy was growing, and that there was a demand for coinage.

The mintage of the 1856 quarter is an important factor to consider when evaluating the coin. It provides insights into the popularity of the coin, its availability today, and the economic conditions of the time.

5. Composition

The 1856 quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition gives the coin a distinctive white color and a high silver content. The use of silver in coinage was common at the time, as it was a valuable metal that was relatively easy to work with.

The composition of the 1856 quarter has several important implications. First, it gives the coin a high intrinsic value. Silver is a precious metal, and its value has remained relatively stable over time. This means that the 1856 quarter is worth more than its face value, and it is often sold for a premium by coin collectors.

Second, the composition of the 1856 quarter makes it a durable coin. Silver is a hard metal that is resistant to wear and tear. This means that the 1856 quarter is likely to remain in good condition for many years to come.

Finally, the composition of the 1856 quarter gives it a unique appearance. The white color of the coin is distinctive, and it sets it apart from other coins of the same era. This makes the 1856 quarter a popular coin among collectors, as it is both beautiful and valuable.

Overall, the composition of the 1856 quarter is an important factor that contributes to its value, durability, and appearance. This composition makes the 1856 quarter a popular coin among collectors, and it is likely to remain a valuable and sought-after coin for many years to come.

6. Weight

The weight of the 1856 quarter is 6.25 grams. This is because the coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The weight of the coin is important because it determines its value. Silver is a precious metal, and its value is based on its weight. The heavier the coin, the more silver it contains, and the more valuable it is.

The weight of the 1856 quarter is also important because it affects its durability. Silver is a soft metal, and it can be easily damaged if it is not properly protected. The weight of the 1856 quarter helps to protect the coin from damage. The heavier the coin, the more resistant it is to wear and tear.

The weight of the 1856 quarter is an important factor to consider when evaluating the coin. It affects the coin's value, durability, and appearance. The weight of the coin is also a reflection of the economic conditions of the time. The fact that the 1856 quarter is made of 90% silver indicates that silver was a valuable metal at the time. This is because silver was used to make coins, jewelry, and other objects. The weight of the 1856 quarter is a reminder of the importance of silver in the 19th century.

FAQs about the 1856 Quarter

The 1856 quarter is a popular coin among collectors, and it is often the subject of many questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the 1856 quarter:

Question 1: What is the value of an 1856 quarter?

The value of an 1856 quarter depends on a number of factors, including its condition, rarity, and mint mark. However, most 1856 quarters are worth between $10 and $50. Some rare varieties, such as the 1856-S quarter, can be worth significantly more.

Question 2: How can I tell if my 1856 quarter is real?

There are a few ways to tell if your 1856 quarter is real. First, check the weight of the coin. A genuine 1856 quarter should weigh 6.25 grams. You can also check the coin's diameter. A genuine 1856 quarter should have a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. Finally, you can examine the coin's details under a magnifying glass. A genuine 1856 quarter will have sharp details and well-defined lettering.

Question 3: Where can I buy an 1856 quarter?

You can buy an 1856 quarter from a number of different sources, including coin dealers, online auction sites, and private sellers. However, it is important to make sure that you are buying from a reputable source. You should also inspect the coin carefully before you buy it to make sure that it is genuine.

Question 4: How can I care for my 1856 quarter?

The best way to care for your 1856 quarter is to store it in a safe place, such as a coin album or a protective case. You should also avoid handling the coin directly with your bare hands, as this can damage the coin's surface. If you need to clean the coin, you can use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution. However, you should avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

Question 5: What are some interesting facts about the 1856 quarter?

The 1856 quarter is one of the most popular coins among collectors. It is also one of the most counterfeited coins. The 1856 quarter was the first coin to bear the motto "In God We Trust." The 1856 quarter was also the last coin to be struck with a reeded edge.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1856 quarter. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a coin dealer or a numismatic expert.

Summary: The 1856 quarter is a popular coin among collectors. It is a valuable coin, and it is important to take care of it properly. If you have any questions about the 1856 quarter, please feel free to contact a coin dealer or a numismatic expert.

Transition to the next article section: The 1856 quarter is a fascinating coin with a rich history. In the next section, we will take a closer look at the design of the coin and its historical significance.

Conclusion on the 1856 Quarter

The 1856 quarter is a significant coin in the history of American coinage. It is the first quarter to bear the motto "In God We Trust," and it is also the last quarter to be struck with a reeded edge. The 1856 quarter is a popular coin among collectors, and it is also a valuable coin. It is important to take care of this coin properly and to store it in a safe place.

The 1856 quarter is a reminder of the rich history of the United States. It is a coin that has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is a coin that will continue to be treasured for many years to come.