Diagnostic Controls & Presets First U.S. Quarter Dollar
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Struck without a denomination mark (no '25c' or 'QUARTER') on the coin. The value was recognized purely by weight and diameter (27.5mm).
Essential for every complete US type set, creating intense perpetual collector demand.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
The single finest known 1796 quarter in existence, showcasing satiny prooflike luster and untouched original toning.
Honest 18th-century commercial wear, full 15 stars visible, crisp small eagle perched on wreath.
Two copper electrotype faces joined around a lead center. Sound dull on ping test and edge seam exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter so historic?
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is the very first quarter dollar struck by the United States. Designed by famed artist Gilbert Stuart and engraved by Chief Engraver Robert Scot, it represents a 'one-year type coin' because the US Mint did not strike another quarter dollar until 1804.
How many 1796 quarters were struck, and how many survive?
Official U.S. Mint records show that only 6,146 quarters were struck in 1796. Today, numismatic researchers estimate that fewer than 450 to 600 specimens survive across all condition grades, making it one of the most sought-after coins in the entire world.
Why does the 1796 quarter feature 15 stars?
In 1796, Tennessee was admitted as the 15th state of the Union. The Mint initially added a new star for each newly admitted state (8 stars on the left, 7 on the right). Later, realizing this would crowd the coin design as more states joined, the Mint fixed the number of stars at 13.
What are the two Browning varieties of the 1796 quarter?
Only two pairs of dies were used, cataloged as Browning-1 (B-1) and Browning-2 (B-2). B-1 is the more common variety with sharp, clean stars. B-2 is distinguished by a die break extending from star #1 down to the lower drapery ribbon.
Why is there no denomination mark ('25c') on the 1796 quarter?
Under early federal coinage laws, silver and gold coins were identified by their intrinsic size, weight, and edge reeding rather than written numbers. The denomination '25 C.' was not added to U.S. quarters until 1804.
What are adjustment marks on a 1796 quarter?
Planchets in 1796 were individually weighed by mint workers. If a silver blank was slightly overweight, workers used a hand file to shave silver off the planchet before striking. These parallel scratches are part of the original mint manufacturing process, not post-mint damage.
How much is a 1796 Draped Bust Quarter worth?
Even in heavily worn Good-4 condition, a genuine certified 1796 quarter sells for $12,000 to $16,000. In Fine to Very Fine, it commands $25,000 to $45,000. In About Uncirculated (AU-50 to 58), it brings $100,000 to $180,000. Gem Mint State examples exceed $600,000, with the finest known MS-67+ Pogue specimen selling for over $1.5 million.