Classic Head Quarter Eagles 1834-1839

About This Series

William Kneass's Classic Head quarter eagle emerged from a transformative moment in American gold coinage: the weight reduction of 1834, mandated by the Act of June 28, which lowered the gold content to discourage the wholesale melting and export that had plagued heavier pre-1834 gold coins. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM was deliberately omitted from the new design so that the lighter coins could be visually distinguished from old-weight pieces still in circulation. Charlotte and Dahlonega mint issues from 1838-1839 hold special significance as the first branch mint gold coins ever produced in the United States, with their distinctive C and D mintmarks marking a new chapter in American Mint history. The 1838-C saw just 7,880 struck and the 1839-D only 13,674, establishing both as scarce issues pursued by Southern gold specialists. Struck in .8992 fine gold (reduced from .9167) at 4.18 grams on a 18.2mm planchet, these quarter eagles entered circulation alongside a recovering American economy. The series is short enough (six years) to be completable but challenging enough — particularly in higher grades and with branch mint issues — to reward persistent collectors. Kneass's design, with Liberty wearing a headband, represented a clean break from the Capped designs of the preceding era and anticipated the coronet-style Liberty Head that would follow.

Series Information