Draped Bust Quarter (1796-1807)

America’s first quarter – the Draped Bust silver quarter – was introduced in 1796. But after the first year, it was not struck again until the U.S. Mint gave it a new reverse in 1804. The obverse kept Robert Scot’s classic image of Liberty with a plunging neckline and long hair held by a ribbon. For the new reverse, Scot designed a heraldic eagle surrounded by united states of america and the denomination 20 c. Less than 555,000 of this type were produced, many of which were later melted for their silver content.