Diagnostic Controls & Presets First Heraldic Eagle Quarter (6,738 Mintage)
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Production Resumed: 1804 (6,738 struck) — 8-year hiatus
After striking the inaugural 1796 quarter, the US Mint completely suspended quarter production for eight years because commercial silver depositors demanded silver dollars and half dollars instead of small change.
Date Diagnostic: Crosslet '4' with bold horizontal serif
All 6,738 genuine 1804 quarters were struck from a single obverse and reverse die pair cataloged by Ard W. Browning in 1925, exhibiting characteristic die rust pitting in the field between Liberty's bust and Star 1.
Diameter: 27.5 mm • Reeded Edge (Close Collar)
Struck in 89.24% pure silver and 10.76% copper alloy. The reverse features Robert Scot's Heraldic Eagle design holding 13 arrows and an olive branch, with the denomination absent (identified only by size and weight).
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Ex-D. Brent Pogue Collection. Finest known specimen on earth; magnificent satiny mint bloom with delicate peripheral amber toning.
Ex-Gardner Collection. Sharp shield details and full reverse cloud arcs; minuscule friction on highest point of hair ribbon.
Honest Federalist era survivor with sharp crosslet '4', diagnostic die rust marks, and full 'LIBERTY' headband.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 1804 Draped Bust Quarter so rare and valuable?
The 1804 Draped Bust Quarter has a tiny mintage of only 6,738 pieces. It marked the resumption of US quarter dollar production after an eight-year gap (1796 to 1804) and is the first quarter to feature the majestic Heraldic Eagle reverse design. Numismatists estimate that fewer than 350 survive today in all grades combined.
Why did the US Mint stop making quarters between 1796 and 1804?
Under early US coinage law, private bullion depositors chose which denominations the Mint struck from their silver. Because merchants and international trading houses preferred standard silver dollars and half dollars for commercial reserves, almost no silver bullion was deposited for quarters between 1797 and 1803.
What is the Browning-1 variety?
In 1925, numismatist Ard W. Browning published the standard reference on early quarter dollars. Because only a single obverse and reverse die pair was used to strike the entire 1804 mintage, all authentic 1804 quarters are cataloged as Browning-1 (B-1).
What does 'Crosslet 4' mean on the 1804 quarter?
The numeral '4' in the date 1804 features a prominent vertical serif (crosslet) attached to the right side of the horizontal bar. This hand-cut feature is a critical diagnostic for verifying genuine dies.
How can you detect an altered 1806-to-1804 counterfeit quarter?
Because 1806 quarters had a much higher mintage (206,124 pieces) and sell for a fraction of an 1804, counterfeiters frequently scrape or engrave the final digit '6' into a fake '4'. Under 20x magnification, look for tool marks around the date, solder seams, or absence of the diagnostic die rust pitting near Star 1 that is present on all authentic 1804 quarters.
Why is there no denomination stamped on the 1804 quarter?
Early United States silver coinage (dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars) did not display numerical face values (such as '25 C.' or 'QUARTER'). Instead, citizens recognized the coin's value strictly by its physical diameter (27.5 mm) and weight (6.74 grams).
What is the exact weight and silver content of the 1804 Quarter?
The coin weighs 6.74 grams (104 grains), has a diameter of 27.5 millimeters, and features a reeded edge. It is composed of 89.24% pure silver and 10.76% copper.