Designed by: John Reich
Issue Dates: 1821, 1824-1827, 1829-1834
Composition: 91.67% gold, 8.33% copper
Diameter: 18.5 mm (1821-1827), 18.2 mm (1829-1834)
Weight: 4.37 grams (67.43 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 42,065
No quarter eagles were coined from 1809 through 1820 inclusive. In 1821 the denomination was again produced. The design is similar to that used in 1808, except that the diameter is reduced to 18.5 mm (subsequently further reduced to 18.2 mm in 1829) and the portrait of Miss Liberty appears smaller and is circled by stars. This general style was continued in use through 1834. Mintages in all instances were low, with the production of one variety, the 1826, estimated at just 760 pieces.
All quarter eagles of the 1821-1834 years are rare today due both to miniscule mintages and extensive melting in the early 1830s. Most examples seen are in grades from Very Fine through AU, although scattered Uncirculated pieces have appeared at auction, as have a few Proofs. It is not unusual for an Uncirculated piece to have a prooflike surface.