The Final Guardian of America’s First Quarter Design
As the Jefferson administration navigated the treacherous waters of neutrality amid the Napoleonic Wars, a small team of craftsmen at the Philadelphia Mint struck what would become the final issue of America’s first quarter dollar design. The 1807 Draped Bust Quarter represents more than just coinage—it stands as a silent witness to a young republic’s monetary growing pains and the end of an era in American numismatics.
When collector Henry Christensen acquired an unusually well-preserved specimen from a Vermont estate in 1963, he reportedly discovered a folded note tucked into its paper wrapper, reading simply: “The last of the Draped Bust quarters, kept since my grandfather’s time.” Little did that original owner know their keepsake would become one of America’s most sought-after early federal coins.
Specifications
The 1807 Draped Bust Quarter was struck in 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, adhering to the specifications established by the Coinage Act of 1792 as amended in 1796. Each coin weighs approximately 6.74 grams (104 grains) with a diameter of 27.5mm. The edge features reeded ornamentation with approximately 91 reeds, though this count can vary slightly due to the hand-crafted nature of the dies.
The coin’s thickness measures 1.3-1.4mm at the rim, with a slight variance across specimens due to the era’s manual striking process. When properly struck, the quarter has a distinctive ring when lightly tapped against a hard surface—an authentication method sometimes employed by experienced collectors. However, this test should be used cautiously as it risks damaging the coin.
Silver content in these quarters approximates 0.1933 troy ounces of pure silver, making them particularly susceptible to surface issues when handled without proper care. The copper alloy provides necessary durability but also contributes to the characteristic toning often seen on these quarters.
Mintage & Mint Marks
The 1807 Draped Bust Quarter was produced exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, as it predated the establishment of branch mints in the United States. No mint marks appear on these coins. According to Mint records, the total mintage for 1807 quarters was 220,643 pieces—a relatively substantial number for early quarters but still modest by modern standards.
This mintage figure represents approximately 4% of the total Draped Bust Quarter production across all years (1796-1807). While not the rarest date in the series (that distinction belongs to the 1796), the 1807 is significant as the final year of the design. Notably, these quarters were struck using multiple die pairs, with numismatic research by Steve M. Tompkins identifying at least three distinct obverse dies and four reverse dies used in various combinations.
According to the PCGS Population Report, fewer than 1,000 examples are believed to exist across all grades, with fewer than 50 specimens in mint state conditions.
Grading Standards & Diagnostic Traits
The 1807 Draped Bust Quarter typically presents several grading challenges due to its age and the minting technology of the period. Applying the Sheldon Scale to this coin requires careful examination of specific diagnostic areas:
About Good (AG-3): Liberty’s profile outline and partial LIBERTY are visible. The reverse shows only the outline of the eagle and partial legend. Rims may be worn nearly to the tops of the letters.
Good (G-4 to G-6): Liberty’s profile is complete but flat. The word LIBERTY is partially visible on the headband. On the reverse, the eagle’s outline is complete but details within the wings are absent. The date is readable but might show significant wear.
Very Good (VG-8 to VG-10): Some detail returns to Liberty’s hair, especially above the ear. About half the letters in LIBERTY are visible on the headband. The eagle shows some breast feather definition, and the shield lines are partially visible.
Fine (F-12 to F-15): Most letters in LIBERTY are clear on the headband. Liberty’s hair shows distinct separation of curls, especially behind the ear and at the top of the head. The eagle’s breast feathers show moderate definition, and shield lines are mostly complete.
Very Fine (VF-20 to VF-35): All letters in LIBERTY are clear on the headband. Liberty’s hair curls show strong definition, especially behind the ear. The drapery lines on Liberty’s bust become distinct. The eagle’s feathers show clear separation, and the shield lines are complete.
Extremely Fine (EF-40 to EF-45): Sharp detail in Liberty’s hair curls and drapery. The stars surrounding Liberty show center points. The eagle’s wing and breast feathers show excellent definition, and talons are distinct.
About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58): Only the highest points show slight wear, typically on Liberty’s cheek, hair above the ear, and the eagle’s breast. Most of the original mint luster remains in protected areas.
Mint State (MS-60 to MS-65+): No wear, though strikes are often weak at centers. Surface quality, strike, and luster determine the grade. Coins above MS-63 are exceedingly rare, with fewer than 10 examples known in MS-64 or better.
The 1807 quarter commonly exhibits adjustment marks—thin parallel lines resulting from the weight adjustment process at the Mint. These are not considered damage but rather mint-made characteristics, though they can affect the aesthetic appeal.
Value by Grade
| Grade | PCGS Value (2025) | Heritage Auctions (Recent Sales Average) |
| AG-3 | $1,100-1,300 | $950-1,250 |
| G-4 | $1,500-1,800 | $1,400-1,700 |
| G-6 | $1,900-2,300 | $1,800-2,200 |
| VG-8 | $2,600-3,000 | $2,500-2,900 |
| VG-10 | $3,100-3,700 | $3,000-3,500 |
| F-12 | $4,000-4,800 | $3,900-4,700 |
| F-15 | $5,500-6,500 | $5,200-6,300 |
| VF-20 | $7,200-8,500 | $7,000-8,200 |
| VF-25 | $8,800-10,500 | $8,500-10,000 |
| VF-30 | $11,000-13,000 | $10,500-12,500 |
| VF-35 | $14,000-16,500 | $13,500-16,000 |
| EF-40 | $18,000-22,000 | $17,500-21,000 |
| EF-45 | $25,000-30,000 | $24,000-29,000 |
| AU-50 | $35,000-42,000 | $33,000-40,000 |
| AU-55 | $45,000-55,000 | $43,000-52,000 |
| AU-58 | $65,000-80,000 | $62,000-75,000 |
| MS-60 | $90,000-110,000 | $85,000-105,000 |
| MS-62 | $130,000-160,000 | $125,000-150,000 |
| MS-63 | $180,000-220,000 | $175,000-210,000 |
| MS-64 | $300,000+ | $275,000-325,000 |
| MS-65 | $500,000+ | (No recent sales in this grade) |
Notable auction results include the Pogue Collection 1807 quarter graded PCGS MS-65 that realized $587,500 in May 2015, and the Cardinal Collection example graded PCGS MS-64+ that sold for $329,000 in January 2020.
Varieties & Errors
The 1807 Draped Bust Quarter includes several recognized varieties, primarily distinguished by die characteristics:
Browning-1 (B-1): Features a large date with stars positioned close to Liberty’s cap and drapery. On the reverse, the eagle’s right wing (viewer’s left) has a distinctive arrangement of feathers with the topmost feather pointing between “ST” in STATES. The easiest identification point is the positioning of the first star, which is distinctly closer to the bust than on other varieties.
Browning-2 (B-2): Shows a slightly different star arrangement with more space between stars and cap. The reverse shows a cloud above the eagle’s head that nearly touches the right serif of the first T in STATES. This variety commands a 10-15% premium over B-1.
Browning-3 (B-3): Features a more evenly spaced star arrangement. The definitive diagnostic is the reverse, where the arrow feathers extend noticeably beyond the eagle’s talons. This is the scarcest of the three major varieties, bringing a 20-25% premium in grades above VF.
Among the rarest varieties is the B-2 “Cracked Reverse” where a prominent die crack runs from the rim through the letters “ITED” in UNITED, across the eagle’s wing, and ending at the shield. Specimens with this advanced die state are extremely scarce and can command a 40-50% premium over standard B-2 examples.
Error coins are exceedingly rare for the 1807 quarter, though examples with rotated dies (where the reverse is not properly aligned with the obverse) do exist. A rotation of more than 20 degrees can increase a coin’s value by 15-20%.
Authentication & Counterfeit Detection
Counterfeit 1807 Draped Bust Quarters fall into two primary categories: period counterfeits made in the early 19th century and modern forgeries designed to deceive collectors.
Authentic 1807 quarters will weigh approximately 6.74 grams with minimal deviation. The silver-copper alloy should have a distinctive ring when lightly tapped against a hard surface, though this test risks damaging the coin. Modern counterfeits often fail to replicate the precise metallic composition, resulting in a deadened sound.
Visual authentication focuses on several key points:
- Denticles and Edge Reeding: Authentic coins display evenly spaced denticles around the rim and approximately 91 reeds on the edge. Counterfeits frequently show irregular spacing or incorrect reed counts.
- Die Characteristics: All genuine 1807 quarters were struck from known die pairs documented in the Browning reference. Examine the position of stars relative to Liberty’s cap and the eagle’s wing feather arrangement.
- Surface Texture: Original coins have a natural flow-line appearance in the fields resulting from the metal flow during striking. Counterfeits often exhibit a granular or “peppered” surface texture, particularly in the fields.
- Letter and Numeral Formation: The fonts used on genuine coins have distinctive characteristics. Particularly diagnostic are the shapes of the “7” in the date and the “R” in LIBERTY, which has a distinctive serif structure.
- Die Cracks and Clash Marks: Genuine examples may show die cracks or evidence of die clashing consistent with documented die states. Counterfeiters rarely replicate these details correctly.
For definitive authentication, professional certification through PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended, especially for coins being purchased at a significant premium or in higher grades.
Preservation Tips
Given the silver content and historical significance of the 1807 Draped Bust Quarter, proper preservation is essential to maintain both condition and value:
Store your 1807 quarter in an inert holder free from PVC plastics, which can cause long-term damage to silver surfaces. For long-term storage, consider PCGS or NGC holders, or high-quality non-PVC flips or capsules specifically designed for early quarters.
Never clean your coin. The natural patina developed over 200+ years is part of its character and history. Cleaning will significantly reduce value and may damage the surface. Even light wiping can leave microscopic scratches on the silver surface.
Handle the coin only by its edges, wearing cotton gloves when possible. Oils and acids from fingertips can leave residue that eventually develops into fingerprint etching on the silver surface.
Maintain stable environmental conditions. Extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity can accelerate deterioration of silver coins. Aim for a relative humidity below 50% and avoid exposure to sulfur-containing materials which can cause toning or corrosion.
For collectors with multiple early quarters, consider creating a dedicated storage system with silica gel packets to control humidity. However, ensure the silica gel never contacts the coin directly.
When displaying your 1807 quarter, avoid direct sunlight which can affect the coin’s surfaces over time and potentially fade the natural toning that many collectors prize.
Notable Auction Results
The 1807 Draped Bust Quarter has generated impressive results at major auctions, with several exceptional examples establishing benchmark prices for the issue:
- Pogue Collection (Stack’s Bowers, May 2015): A superb PCGS MS-65 example sold for $587,500, establishing a record for the date. This coin featured exceptional strike quality and attractive toning, with full details visible in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers.
- Cardinal Collection (Stack’s Bowers, January 2020): An extremely rare PCGS MS-64+ example with CAC approval realized $329,000. This specimen displayed remarkable eye appeal with blue-green peripheral toning and golden centers.
- Heritage Auctions (January 2022): A PCGS AU-58 example brought $74,750, reflecting the strong demand for high-grade circulated specimens.
- Goldberg Auctions (February 2021): A rare B-3 variety in PCGS VF-35 sold for $19,550, demonstrating the premium commanded by scarcer die varieties.
- Stack’s Bowers (August 2023): A notable “Cracked Reverse” B-2 variety in PCGS VF-30 realized $16,800, approximately 30% above the standard value for the grade.
Even in more moderate grades, the 1807 quarter continues to perform strongly at auction, with PCGS F-15 examples consistently bringing $5,000-6,500 depending on eye appeal and toning characteristics.
Collector Value & Outlook
The 1807 Draped Bust Quarter holds a special place in American numismatics as the final year of the nation’s first quarter dollar design. This terminal-date status, combined with its general scarcity and historical significance, ensures its continued strong demand among collectors of early American coinage.
Market analysis over the past two decades shows that 1807 quarters have appreciated at an average annual rate of approximately 7-9% in grades VF and above, outperforming many other early federal issues. This growth has been particularly strong in the AU and mint state grades, where examples rarely appear on the market.
For collectors assembling type sets, the 1807 is often the preferred date for representing the Draped Bust Quarter design due to its larger mintage and relative availability compared to the extraordinarily rare 1796 issue. This creates consistent demand from type collectors and specialists alike.
Investment-minded collectors should note that the greatest appreciation has occurred in the VF-30 through AU-55 grade range, where coins display significant detail while remaining accessible to more collectors. The extreme rarity of truly uncirculated examples places them beyond the reach of all but the most advanced collectors.
The future outlook for the 1807 quarter remains positive, with continued price appreciation likely as new collectors enter the early federal coinage market and the fixed supply continues to diminish through institutional acquisitions and long-term holdings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my 1807 quarter has been cleaned or improperly preserved?
Cleaned quarters typically show unnatural brightness, hairline scratches under magnification, and loss of natural luster. Original coins have a consistent patina that forms over decades. Look for artificial brightness, especially in protected areas like around stars and letters. Professional certification can help determine if a coin has been improperly preserved.
Are there any affordable ways to collect 1807 quarters for someone on a limited budget?
Budget-conscious collectors might consider lower-grade examples (AG-3 to G-6) which, while showing significant wear, still convey the historical significance. Also consider examples with minor problems like edge bumps or old cleaning that have been discounted. These “problem coins” often sell for 30-50% less than problem-free examples but contain the same historical value.
How does the 1807 quarter compare to other years in the Draped Bust series?
The 1807 is generally more available than earlier dates, particularly the extremely rare 1796 and 1804. However, it’s still scarce in absolute terms. The 1807 tends to be better struck than many 1806 quarters, making it preferred by type collectors seeking the best representation of the design. Die characteristics evolved slightly throughout the series, with the 1807 showing more refined details in Liberty’s hair compared to earlier issues.
What causes the toning often seen on 1807 quarters, and does it affect value?
Natural toning results from gradual chemical reactions between the silver and environmental factors over many decades. Original toning is highly desirable and can significantly enhance value, especially when it displays pleasing color combinations like blue-green peripheries with golden centers. However, artificial toning (chemically induced) detracts from value. Experienced collectors and professional graders can distinguish between natural and artificial toning based on color progression and pattern development.
Should I have my 1807 quarter professionally graded and encapsulated?
Professional certification is strongly recommended for any 1807 quarter valued above $2,000 (typically G-6 or better). Beyond establishing authenticity, grading provides an objective assessment of condition and protects against environmental damage. The slight premium paid for grading is usually recovered when selling, as certified coins typically command higher prices and sell more quickly than raw (uncertified) examples.