The Act of June 28, 1834 reduced the weight of U.S. gold coins, and Chief Engraver William Kneass redesigned the quarter eagle into the “Classic Head” style — Liberty facing left with a band inscribed LIBERTY, and the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM dropped from the reverse.
Key facts
- 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
- Mintage: 968,228
Mintages were large early on (1836 alone saw 547,986), so Philadelphia coins are obtainable from Fine through Extremely Fine, with AU and Uncirculated progressively scarcer. The series is historically important as the first quarter eagles struck at the branch mints — Charlotte in 1838, then Dahlonega and New Orleans in 1839 — and those first branch-mint issues are the keys.
We actively buy Classic Head quarter eagles in every grade. Send photos for a free, no-obligation offer.