1821 Capped Bust Quarter
Base
About This Coin
The 1821 Capped Bust Quarter is a United States quarter from the Capped Bust Quarters 1815-1838 series — 5th of 19 years in the series. In 1821, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 216,866. This ranks 9th of 19 years by total mintage, below the series median of 252,405. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a mob cap or turban and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Struck during a period of national unity and westward expansion following the War of 1812, as the U.S. grew in confidence and territory. Struck in 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper, weighing 6.74 grams, 27.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced 6 years before the celebrated 1827 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $166 to $8.6K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $252K in PR64 grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by John Reich.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
