Designed by: William Kneass
Issue Dates: 1834-1839
Composition: 89.92% gold, 10.08% copper
Diameter: 18.2 mm
Weight: 4.18 grams (64.50 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 968,228

Following the Act of June 28, 1834, which mandated a reduction in weight of gold coins, the quarter eagle was redesigned by Chief Engraver William Kneass. The new format, called the "Classic Head" by collectors today, features the head of Miss Liberty facing left, her hair secured by a band inscribed LIBERTY, stars circling her head, and with the date below. The reverse depicts an eagle with a shield on its breast, perched on an olive branch and holding three arrows. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 2½ D. surrounds. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, used on quarter eagles since 1796, was discontinued.

Mintage quantities were large in the first several years of the coinage span, with the high-water mark being 1836, when 547,986 were struck. In 1838, quarter eagles were struck at Charlotte for the first time, followed the next year by supplementary coinage at Dahlonega and New Orleans. By far the greatest number of 1834-1839 Classic Head quarter eagles were produced at Philadelphia. Examples of this style can be obtained readily in grades from Fine through Extremely Fine. AU pieces are scarce, and Uncirculated pieces are scarcer yet. Superb Uncirculated coins are very rare. Uncirculated pieces of the first year of issue, 1834, often display prooflike surfaces.