1796 Capped Bust to Right Quarter Eagle

About This Coin

The 1796 Capped Bust to Right Quarter Eagle is a United States Gold Quarter Eagle from the Capped Bust to Right Quarter Eagles 1796-1807 series — the first year of the series. In 1796, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 1,395. This represents the second-lowest annual mintage in the series, below the series median of 1,985. The obverse features Liberty facing right wearing a cloth cap (pileus) and the reverse displays a small, naturalistic eagle perched on a palm branch within a wreath (through 1798) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1804-1807). Produced during the earliest years of the United States Mint, when the young republic was establishing its monetary system and coinage traditions. Struck in 91.7% gold, 8.3% copper, weighing 4.37 grams, 20 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Struck one year before the 1797 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $67K to $1714K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $2160K in MS62+ grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Robert Scot.