What years of quarters should you keep?

You’ve decided to start building your U.S. quarter collection but need guidance on where to begin or what coins to collect. Our complete guide will help you learn all about the different types of quarters and how to start collecting.

Timeline of U.S. Quarters

• 1796-1807 Draped Bust Quarter
• 1815-1838 Capped Bust Quarter
• 1838-1891 Liberty Seated Quarter
• 1892-1916 Barber Quarter
• 1916-1930 Standing Liberty Quarter
• 1932-present Washington Quarter
• 1999-2008 50 State Quarters
• 2010-2021 America the Beautiful Quarters
• 2022-2025 American Women Quarters

The timeline and infographic above show the years when each coin type was minted. It also includes the number of coins produced in their first year of issuance.. The information that you see came from “The Official Red Book,” a guidebook on U.S. coins.

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How Many Different U.S. Quarters Are There?

According to one source, there are about 17 different design variations, not including the 50 States and America the Beautiful series which feature multiple different designs, and 5 types of U.S. quarters that most collectors seek. In other words, there are many, but this guide will only cover 8 design types.

Types of U.S. Quarters

Our list of U.S. quarters will provide a brief historical background for each coin type to give you an idea of what you may be interested in collecting. Keep in mind that some coins are more challenging than others to obtain due to their price tag or availability

Draped Bust Quarter (1796-1807)

Engraved by Robert Scot, the Draped Bust was the first official U.S. silver quarter series ever produced. Introduced in 1796, the coin featured Liberty facing the right with flowing hair and a ribbon draped over her neck. The reverse shows an eagle centered within a wreath, a design that lasted one year before production halted. It wasn’t until 1804 that the Draped Bust Quarter resumed production. The design for the reverse was switched for a heraldic eagle carrying arrows and an olive branch in its talons, with a shield centered at its chest. This design lasted until the series ended in 1807.

Capped Bust Quarter (1815-1838)

The Capped Bust U.S. quarter was designed similarly to the initial Draped Bust series. The differences include Liberty facing left instead of right, and she wears a cap over her flowing hair with the word “LIBERTY” etched into its rim. It is likewise similar to the Draped Bust quarter. The reverse shows an eagle clutching an olive branch and three arrows, with a shield positioned over its chest.

Liberty Seated Quarter (1838-1891)

As one of the longest-running coin series, the Liberty Seated Quarter made its first appearance in 1838 and was issued until 1891. During its 53-year lifespan, the Liberty Seated Quarter saw slight alterations to its design and composition. However, the first issuance of this coin shows Liberty seated on a rock holding a pole with a Phrygian cap on top. She is also shown looking over her right shoulder, her right hand resting on a union shield that has the word “LIBERTY” printed across its face. On the reverse, an eagle carries an olive branch and arrows. It’s almost identical to the Capped Bust Quarter.

Barber Quarter (1892-1916)

After the public grew tired of the older coin designs, considering some of them to be “inferior quality,” the Treasury Department received permission from the government to make new designs. Designed by and named after Charles E. Barber, the Barber Quarter came out a year after the Liberty Seated Quarter series concluded in 1891. We only see Liberty’s head and neck as she faces right while wearing a cap that hides her hair, a laurel wreath wrapped around it. A heraldic eagle on the reverse spreads its wings and feet, gripping an olive branch and arrows in each foot. It also shows the eagle carrying a ribbon-like scroll in its beak that reads “E Pluribus Unum,” with thirteen stars floating above its head.

Standing Liberty Quarter (1916-1930)

Then-U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt wanted the United States to return its focus to creating artistically beautiful coin designs. Hermon Atkins MacNeil was assigned to produce a new design, of which came the Standing Liberty Quarter. On the obverse side, Liberty is standing and holding a round shield, symbolizing protection, with an olive branch of peace on the other (“The Official Red Book,” 2020, p. 178). In 1917, the coin's design underwent modifications to show Liberty wearing chainmail to cover her nude torso from the 1916 design.

Washington Quarter (1932-Present)

 50 State Quarters (1999-2008)

America the Beautiful Quarters (2010-2021)

Following in the footsteps of the popular 50 State Quarters, the America the Beautiful Quarters recognize every national park or historic landmark in the U.S. What makes these unique is that in addition to circulating quarters, they were also issued as the first five troy ounces of .999 silver commemorative quarters made by the U.S. Mint.

Popular U.S. Quarters to Collect

The Draped Bust, Standing Liberty, 50 States, Seated Liberty, and the America the Beautiful quarters are some of the most iconic U.S. quarters to collect. However, their popularity is dependent on their availability and history among other characteristics. For example, old U.S. quarters may be popular due to their rich silver composition and historical importance. New U.S. quarters may be popular because they are often more widely available and can be relatively affordable.

What Are U.S. Quarters Made Out of?

Earlier circulating U.S. quarters were made of silver, mixed with some copper (90% silver or 89.24% silver and 10% copper). Since 1965, circulating U.S. quarters have been made with an alloy mixture (75% copper and 25% nickel), which makes up multiple layers. The outer layer surrounds a 99.5% copper core.

Some quarters, such as the five ounce America the Beautiful silver quarter, had versions that were  made of pure .999 fine silver. Coins like these are made mainly for coin collectors who are interested in silver bullion or collector’s versions of the coins, which are not intended for public circulation. Annual Silver Proof sets also allow collectors to add .999 fine silver quarters to their collection that feature a gorgeous Proof finish.

When Did the U.S. Mint Stop Making Silver Quarters?

U.S. silver quarters were minted between 1796-1964 before they were replaced by the copper-nickel alloy mixture that has continued to this day. The Coinage Act of 1965 is responsible for this, which discontinued certain coins from being made of silver to prevent a silver and coin shortage. SIlver quarters are still issued for annual Proof and Silver Proof sets or in the form of other collectors coins.

Why Collect U.S. Quarters?

There is something fun and exciting about collecting U.S. Mint quarters and coins. For some, it’s the adventure of finding a piece of U.S. history that only you and a few others own. Others may collect old U.S. quarters because they see them as great additions to their collection or a way to preserve history. There are many reasons to collect U.S. quarters.

How to Start Collecting U.S. Quarters

How you want to collect U.S. quarters is up to you. If you want to keep things simple, you could start collecting all 50 State quarters, one for each state. You could also collect one coin for each type of quarter. Remember, some quarters will be harder to find than others.

What Should I Look for When Collecting Quarters?

Here are some other things to look for or avoid when collecting quarters:

• • Grade - The amount of wear on a coin. Uncirculated coins are those that have not seen public distribution or use. How much wear a coin has can determine its numismatic appeal.
  • Errors/Blemishes - The Mint will sometimes produce coins with errors such as double-lettering mint marks. These types of defects are not the same as damaged coins and are actually of interest to some collectors.
  • Mint Marks - A small letter that indicates where the coin was minted. This can is useful for identification purposes. Not all mints made the same amount of quarters each year.
  • Date - The year the coin was minted.
  • Composition - What the coin is made of (silver, copper, nickel, etc.). Quarters made of 99.9% silver, for example, are valued for their silver content in addition to their designs and historical significance.
  • Rarity - How many of a specific type of coin are available or remain. Some issues are harder to find than others.
  • Fakes/Replicas - Scammers will often sell fake coins to collectors. Do your research first before you buy.
  • Price - How much is the quarter (or coin) you’re trying to buy? Ensure the price you pay is a fair and reasonable amount.

These items can help you assess the quarters you want to buy or how you want to build your collection. As always, research will be your ally.

You can store your quarter collection in a few ways. One is to use a cardboard album or folder. These are usually inexpensive and will protect your coins. You can also use tubes, sleeves, or envelopes to protect and organize your collection. Be wary of the material your storage solution was made of, as certain chemicals can damage coins over time.

Quarters of the Future

Although coin designs will see alterations throughout their lifetime, their series won’t last forever. However, new coin series are released frequently. The U.S. Mint, for example, has currently announced new and upcoming coins for 2022 to 2025.

What Quarters Are Coming Out in 2022?

The Mint has already launched its new American Women Quarter series, a four-year program that will recognize and celebrate the contributions of women to the United States and its history. In 2022, the Mint will release five designs that feature the portraits of the five following individuals:

• Maya Angelou - Prominent author ( “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”) and social activist.
• Dr. Sally Ride - Physicist and astronaut – the first woman to go to space.
• Wilma Mankiller - Activist for women’s and Native American rights. She was the first woman to be elected as the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
• Nina Otero-Warren - A leader in New Mexico’s suffrage movement and advocated to improve education for New Mexicans.
• Anna May Wong - The first Chinese-American film actress in Hollywood.

So, what about the coins’ compositions? The circulating quarters will be made of a mixture of silver-like nickel, sandwiching a core of pure copper, commonly known as a clad coin. .999 fine quarters will also be issued in annual Silver Proof sets.

Where to Buy U.S. Quarters

If you’re ready to start your U.S. quarter collection, you’ll want to buy from a trusted and reliable seller. You can go in-person to a coin dealer or shop from a website. The trick will be finding someone who’s not only trustworthy but sells quarters at a reasonable price. That is why we think you should shop with GovMint.com. We’re an A+ accredited business with the Better Business Bureau and have been operating for over 30 years. We sell U.S. quarters, bullion, and other collectible coins and provide stellar customer service.  Visit our website today to start your collection!

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