US Quarter Eagles
1796, one year after the first US gold coins, half eagles and eagles, the first quarter eagles were struck in 1796. It was the first US coin that has a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest. Originally, the obverse of the quarter eagle is a bust of Liberty wearing a tall cap. Later on the cap was replaced by a smaller cap which is designed by John Reich. There were no quarter eagles struck between 1809 and 1821.
1796 Quarter Eagle
Before 1830, lots of quarter eagles were melted because they actually worth more in gold than their numismatic value. Later on, in 1834, the gold content is reduced. Such reduction is reduced by removing the motto over the eagle on the eagle on the reverse and replacing with a new capless Liberty head.
1834 Quarter Eagle
A new design was adopted between 1840 and 1907 and it was designed by Christian Gobrecht.
1840 Quarter Eagle
In 1908, the quarter eagle was redesigned by Bela Lyon Pratt. The new design has the bust of an Indian chief on the obverse and an eagle with closed wings on the reverse. It raised some controversial that some dirts might be trapped in the recesses that would spread germs.
1908 Quarter Eagle
