1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle: The 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle is one of the most extraordinary coins in U.S. history. With a one-year production run and an estimated 125–150 surviving examples, this coin has remained a prized possession for collectors. Recently, a highly graded MS65 specimen of this rare coin shattered records, selling for $3.4 million at auction.
This article dives into the fascinating history of the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle, exploring its unique design, rarity, and significance in the numismatic world. We’ll also examine the record-breaking sale and what makes this coin so desirable to collectors and investors alike.
Overview of the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle
| Category | Details |
| Designer | John Reich |
| Mint Year | 1808 |
| Total Mintage | 2,710 coins |
| Obverse Design | Liberty with a cap marked “LIBERTY” and 13 stars |
| Reverse Design | Eagle holding an olive branch and arrows |
| Rarity | Estimated 125–150 surviving examples |
| Auctioned Grade | MS65 |
| Sale Price | $3.4 million |
Why Is the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle So Rare?
1. A Coin With a One-Year Mintage
The 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle was minted for only one year, making it one of the shortest production runs in U.S. coinage history. With a total mintage of just 2,710 pieces, it was rare from the start.
Unlike other denominations that were minted across multiple years, quarter eagle production was halted after 1808 and did not resume until 1821, making this coin even more historically significant.
2. Few Surviving Specimens
Due to circulation and melting, only 125 to 150 of these coins are believed to exist today. Many were lost over time, while others were melted down as gold values fluctuated in the 19th century. Finding a well-preserved example is extremely rare, and high-grade specimens command a premium price.
3. Revolutionary Coin Design
Designed by John Reich, the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle marked a new era in U.S. coin artistry. Reich introduced a more lifelike depiction of Liberty, departing from the stylized designs of earlier coins.
His work on the quarter eagle was highly influential, setting the stage for later coinage designs that incorporated realism and intricate details.
Design Breakdown: Obverse and Reverse Features
Obverse: A Bold Liberty Portrait
The obverse features a left-facing Liberty, wearing a soft cap inscribed with “LIBERTY”. Around her are 13 stars, symbolizing the original American colonies. The mint year “1808” is placed below her portrait.
Reich’s design was a shift from earlier versions of Liberty, making her appear more lifelike and less rigid than before.
Reverse: A Majestic American Eagle
The reverse features a striking bald eagle with its wings spread wide. In its talons, it clutches an olive branch (symbolizing peace) and arrows (representing military strength). Above the eagle, the Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is displayed, meaning “Out of many, one”—a nod to the unity of the early United States.
The denomination, marked as “2 1/2 D”, appears below the eagle. This design was a departure from earlier versions, giving the eagle a stronger and more powerful presence.
Breaking Records: The $3.4 Million Auction Sale
In 2024, a well-preserved MS65 example of the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle sold for a staggering $3.4 million at a major numismatic auction. This sale shattered previous records, highlighting the coin’s growing appeal and unmatched rarity.
Why Did This Coin Sell for Millions?
- Extremely Low Population – With fewer than 150 known examples, collectors fiercely compete for any high-grade specimen.
- Mint Condition (MS65) – Coins from 1808 rarely survive in such pristine condition, making this one highly valuable.
- Historical Importance – This coin represents a turning point in early American coinage.
- Collector Demand – With more investors entering the rare coin market, prices for top-tier numismatic treasures continue to rise.
Auction History of the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle
| Year | Auction House | Grade | Sale Price |
| 2015 | Stack’s Bowers | MS65 | $2,350,000 |
| 2020 | Heritage Auctions | MS63 | $517,500 |
| 2024 | Stack’s Bowers | MS65 | $3,400,000 |
Over the years, the value of this coin has steadily increased, proving its long-term investment potential.
Impact on the Rare Coin Market
The record-breaking sale of the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle highlights key trends in numismatics:
Increased Demand for Early Gold Coins – Collectors and investors are prioritizing pre-1830s gold coins due to their historical importance.
Grading Matters More Than Ever – Coins graded MS65 or higher consistently fetch top-tier prices at auction.
Rare Coins as Investments – More buyers are viewing high-value numismatic pieces as alternative investments, leading to rising prices.
FAQs About the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle
Why is the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle so rare?
This coin had a one-year production run, with only 2,710 minted and fewer than 150 surviving today.
What makes an MS65 grade special?
An MS65 coin is in mint state, meaning it has sharp details, original luster, and very few imperfections.
Who designed the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle?
The coin was designed by John Reich, who introduced a more realistic style to U.S. coinage.
When was the next quarter eagle minted after 1808?
Quarter eagle production stopped after 1808 and resumed in 1821 with a different design.
How much is an 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle worth today?
In top condition (MS65), it can be worth over $3.4 million, while lower-grade versions still fetch six-figure prices.
Final Thoughts
The 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle is more than just a rare coin—it is a piece of American history. With its one-year production run, artistic significance, and extreme rarity, it remains one of the most sought-after U.S. coins.
Its recent $3.4 million sale reaffirms its place as a numismatic treasure, proving that historical significance and rarity will always drive demand.
What do you think of this remarkable coin? Share your thoughts below and explore more rare coin stories!
