Classic U. S. Coins: Quarter Dollars Quiz

Answer: 1796

The Draped Bust design was used on quarter dollars in 1796. That year featured the design with the standing eagle. Even in a period with limited montages, the 1796 figures were low with a total montage of 6,146. The design was created by engraver Robert Scot. All of them were minted in Philadelphia.

Answer: 89.2%

The coins of the period 1793-1838 had a slightly lower purity of silver and a slightly higher purity of copper. Many silver coins of the period shared a common design. The Draped Bust design was used for the years 1796 and 1804 to 1807.

Answer: John Reich

There are two main varieties of the Capped Bust coins. The earlier coins (1815-1828) are slightly larger and feature an elaborate turban. The later coins (1831-1838) are slightly smaller in size. John Reich created the design which was adapted by William Kneass.

Answer: On a banner on the shield

The shield sat on the ground, leaning against the rock on which Liberty sat. The shield had stripes upon it. The shield represented preparedness of the defense of freedom.

Answer: Denver

In addition to the other cities, Seated Liberty quarter dollars were also minted in Philadelphia. Although it was the primary mint, the city did use a mintmark at that time. The Denver mint did not open until 1906, fifteen years are the end of the run for the Seated Liberty series.

Answer: 1853 and 1873

The arrows were used by the dates of the coins in 1853 and 1854 to indicate a small reduction in the weight. They were again used in 1873 and 1874 to indicate a small increase in the weight of the coins. In both periods the coins were 90% silver.

Answer: On a headband Liberty was wearing

The head of Liberty wore had a crown of olive leaves connected to a headband that had the word "Liberty". The date of minting is displayed at the bottom of the coin. The phrase "In God We Trust" appeared above the head of Liberty. The design was used on coins from 1892 to 1916.

Answer: Liberty had a bare breast

There are differing opinions as to what was actually controversial about this image. The earliest Standing Liberty quarter dollars did indeed have a bare breast. Later figures seemed to have a chainmail tunic covering portions of her torso. It could be the change was meant to indicate the readiness of the United States for war.

In real life, the United States would declare war on Germany in April 1917.

Answer: 1965

1964 was the last year that dimes, quarter dollars and half dollars were minted in 90% silver. Beginning in 1965, the coins were minted with a cupro-nickel outer layer surrounding a copper core. On top of that, mintmarks were removed for the years 1965, 1966, and 1967.

Answer: Colonial Drummer

The Colonial Drummer was designed by Jack L. Ahr. The image was used for 1975 and 1976 and bore the special double date "1776-1976". The image of Independence Hall was used for the half dollar. The Liberty Bell was used for the dollar coin and was designed by Seth Huntington. The Paper Scroll design was not used.