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The Capped Bust Quarter of 1831 with Small Letters in Very Good (VG) condition is a historic and important artifact from the early decades of the United States Mint. Designed by Chief Engraver William Kneass, the modified Capped Bust Quarter introduced in 1831 represented a significant technological and stylistic update to the original John Reich design of 1815. The 1831 issue is the first year of this modified type, often referred to as the "Reduced Size" Capped Bust Quarter. This smaller, more uniform version reflects the Mint’s ongoing efforts to improve coinage production with the introduction of a close collar to standardize planchet size and enable more efficient striking. As such, the 1831 Capped Bust Quarter Small Letters variety stands at the crossroads of artistry and technological innovation in early American coinage.
Before 1831, quarter dollars had been struck with larger planchets and a less standardized method of production. The improvements made by Kneass included reducing the coin’s diameter from about 27 millimeters to 24.3 millimeters and refining the details of the design to better fit the new, smaller flan. The “Small Letters” variety refers specifically to the reduced size of the inscriptions on the reverse compared to earlier Capped Bust Quarters, a stylistic change that offered a more balanced appearance on the compact format. This adjustment was part of a larger trend in the 1830s where the Mint sought to modernize the nation's coinage to improve striking quality, enhance aesthetics, and achieve greater consistency across denominations.
The obverse of the 1831 Capped Bust Quarter displays a left-facing portrait of Liberty, adorned with a Phrygian cap resting atop flowing hair and secured by a ribbon inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Thirteen stars encircle Liberty, representing the original thirteen states, and the date "1831" is positioned prominently at the bottom of the coin. In Very Good condition, the central details of Liberty’s portrait are considerably worn, and much of the finer hair detail is smooth, though her outline remains clear and recognizable. The stars around Liberty are mostly visible but may show significant wear or merging with the rim. The date remains bold and readable, maintaining the historical identity of the coin.
The reverse design features a proud, heraldic eagle with wings spread wide, clutching three arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right, symbolizing the nation’s readiness for war and its desire for peace. Above the eagle’s head is a scroll bearing the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "25 C." In the Small Letters variety, the size of these inscriptions is noticeably smaller and finer compared to earlier versions. In VG condition, much of the feather detail on the eagle’s breast and wings is worn flat, but the overall silhouette and major devices remain distinct, and the inscriptions are generally legible despite the softening of finer elements.
The 1831 Capped Bust Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only mint in operation at the time, with a total mintage of 398,000 pieces. While this number may seem substantial for the era, extensive circulation and attrition over nearly two centuries have made the 1831 quarter a relatively scarce find today, particularly for those seeking coins with clear dates and problem-free surfaces. Many of these coins served extensively in commerce during a period of rapid economic expansion in the United States, leading to the heavy wear patterns that are typical of surviving Very Good examples. As a result, even lower-grade specimens like VG examples are valued for their historical significance and as representatives of an important transitional moment in U.S. numismatics.
In terms of physical characteristics, a Capped Bust Quarter from 1831 graded as Very Good typically shows extensive, even wear across both sides. On the obverse, Liberty’s facial features are faint, and the cap is worn smooth, but the basic figure remains intact. The stars around the edge may blend into the rim, but most are discernible upon closer inspection. The reverse eagle is flattened, especially at the breast, but the general shape, the arrows, and the olive branch are visible. The critical inscriptions, including "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "25 C.," should be readable, though some weakening or fading at the edges is common at this grade level. Importantly, coins at this grade should retain strong, original outlines without major damage, heavy corrosion, or serious defects that would compromise their overall collectibility.
The surfaces of an 1831 Small Letters Quarter in VG condition often exhibit an even gray or silver-gray toning, developed naturally over decades of handling and environmental exposure. Such toning is considered desirable because it indicates that the coin has not been harshly cleaned or altered, preserving its historic integrity. Minor contact marks, light scratches, or small rim bumps are acceptable in this grade but should not overwhelm the coin’s aesthetic appeal. An attractive VG example presents honest wear consistent with its age and usage, embodying the historical narrative of the coin’s long journey through American hands.
Collectors are drawn to the 1831 Capped Bust Quarter Small Letters variety for several reasons. First, it represents the first year of the Reduced Size Capped Bust Quarter series, a significant milestone in the evolution of U.S. coinage. Second, the Small Letters variety offers a distinct subtype for those assembling specialized collections, such as type sets, die variety collections, or quarter-dollar studies. Third, the enduring classic beauty of the Capped Bust design, even in well-worn condition, continues to captivate those who appreciate early American artistry and the neoclassical influences that characterized U.S. coins of the early 19th century.
The historical importance of the 1831 Small Letters Quarter extends beyond numismatics into the broader story of America’s growth during the Jacksonian era. The 1830s witnessed the beginning of major infrastructure projects, the rise of industrialization, and the broadening of democratic participation. Coins like the 1831 quarter circulated widely in a nation on the move, playing a role in everyday transactions from markets to frontier settlements. Owning an 1831 Capped Bust Quarter in Very Good condition offers collectors a tangible, personal link to this dynamic period in American history, a reminder of a young republic forging its identity and expanding its horizons.
The 1831 Capped Bust Quarter Small Letters in Very Good condition remains a prized addition to any collection focused on early American coinage. Its pleasing and historic design, combined with its role as the inaugural year of a pivotal redesign, ensures its lasting appeal among collectors. Whether valued for its rich history, its elegant neoclassical artwork, or its testament to America's early growth, the 1831 quarter captures the enduring spirit of a nation and the lasting artistry of its coinage legacy.