U.S. Quarters  (U.S. Quarter Dollars) | The Coin Shop

U.S. Quarters

History of the U.S. Quarter

U.S. quarters, or quarter dollars, debuted in 1796 and were struck in 90% silver until 1964. This was when U.S. quarter composition was changed to copper-nickel clad due to the ever-rising cost of silver.

The obverses of U.S. quarters from 1796 to 1930 depict Lady Liberty, while obverses from 1932 to date picture George Washington.

The reverse of U.S. quarters from 1796 to 1998 bear images of the bald eagle, while the reverses since 1999 feature special designs honoring the 50 states, the 5 U.S. territories, the District of Columbia, and National Parks.

Quarter collectors are especially fond of the Statehood Quarter series that started in 1999. Pre-1965 quarters are collected today for their silver content and their numismatic value.