1821 Capped Head to Left Quarter Eagle
Base
About This Coin
The 1821 Capped Head to Left Quarter Eagle is a United States Gold Quarter Eagle from the Capped Head to Left Quarter Eagles 1821-1834 series — the first year of the series. In 1821, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 6,455. This represents the highest annual mintage in the entire series, above the series median of 4,165. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a cap with curls of hair beneath and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. First year of the Capped Head Quarter Eagle after a 14-year gap in quarter eagle production (1808-1820). Struck in 91.7% gold, 8.3% copper, weighing 4.37 grams, 18.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced 5 years before the celebrated 1826 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $8.1K to $43K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $207K in PR63 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Robert Scot.
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.
