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The Draped Bust Quarter of 1825/4 in Very Good (VG) condition is an exceptionally fascinating piece of early American numismatics, rich in both historical and numismatic significance. This coin is a part of the early quarter dollar series first introduced in 1796, and the 1825/4 variety is notable for its prominent overdate error, in which the numeral “5” was punched over a previously engraved “4” in the date. This rare overdate, along with its limited mintage and historic design, makes the 1825/4 quarter a desirable addition to any serious collection of U.S. coins, especially from the first half of the 19th century.
The Draped Bust design was the second major portrait style used on U.S. coinage, succeeding the Flowing Hair design of the mid-1790s. Created by Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, the Draped Bust portrait of Liberty was based on sketches by renowned artist Gilbert Stuart. On the obverse of the quarter, Liberty faces right, her hair partially tied back with a ribbon, with flowing curls cascading down her shoulders. She is surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, and the date “1825” appears clearly at the bottom. On overdate examples, the underlying “4” beneath the final “5” digit in the date is visible to the trained eye, particularly in higher grades or well-preserved pieces.
The reverse of the coin features a majestic heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other. This design draws inspiration from the Great Seal of the United States, symbolizing both peace and readiness for defense. The eagle's breast is shielded by a vertically striped escutcheon, and above the eagle is a scroll inscribed with “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Encircling the design are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” along with the denomination “25 C.” The reverse was engraved by John Reich, whose more naturalistic take on the eagle provided a notable stylistic evolution from earlier motifs.
The 1825/4 overdate was the result of reusing a die from the previous year, a common cost-saving practice at the time due to the laborious nature of die production. Rather than discarding the die for 1824, mint engravers repunched the final digit, changing it from a “4” to a “5.” This practice unintentionally created the overdate variety. Overdates are of particular interest to collectors as they offer a glimpse into 19th-century minting processes and reflect the practical challenges faced by engravers and mint workers. For the 1825/4, the overdate is quite prominent, especially in better-preserved examples, though even in lower grades, vestiges of the original “4” are often discernible.
The total mintage for all 1825 quarters, including both normal date and overdate varieties, was 168,000 coins. However, it is unknown exactly how many of these are of the 1825/4 variety. What is clear is that the total mintage figure was relatively modest for the denomination, contributing to the rarity of the coin today. All were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the only mint in operation at the time. Like other early U.S. quarters, the 1825 issue was struck on a 24.3 mm diameter planchet made of .8924 fine silver, with the balance composed of copper. Each coin weighs approximately 6.74 grams and has a reeded edge, consistent with the specifications for quarters of the era.
In Very Good (VG) condition, an 1825/4 Draped Bust Quarter shows significant signs of circulation, but it still retains the integrity of its primary design elements. On the obverse, Liberty's portrait is worn, with the central facial features and hair details largely smoothed out. However, the general outline of her bust is visible, and some remnants of her hair and ribbon may be discernible. The stars are typically weak or mostly merged into the rim, although a few may still be identifiable. The date remains readable, and on overdate examples, traces of the “4” beneath the “5” can occasionally still be seen, especially under magnification.
The reverse in VG condition usually displays a flattened eagle, with its wings, head, and shield showing considerable wear. The central details of the eagle’s body and legs are often heavily worn, but the shape of the bird remains visible. Parts of the olive branch and arrows may still be seen, albeit without fine definition. The surrounding text “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “25 C.” are usually complete but softened. The reeded edge may exhibit light nicks or wear from handling over time. Overall, VG examples are heavily worn but still identifiable and often free of damage beyond normal circulation wear.
The rarity and collector appeal of the 1825/4 Draped Bust Quarter in VG condition lie not only in its historical and numismatic importance but also in its relative scarcity. Early U.S. quarters circulated heavily and were subject to melting, loss, and wear, leaving a limited number of surviving examples in all grades. Many were used in day-to-day transactions or exported in trade, contributing to the attrition of existing pieces. Surviving VG specimens are typically appreciated by collectors who specialize in early federal issues or who are working to complete a type set of classic U.S. coinage.
Collectors are particularly drawn to the 1825/4 due to its overdate status, which introduces an additional layer of challenge and interest for numismatists seeking every known variety in the Draped Bust series. Overdate varieties, such as this one, are studied in detail within numismatic literature, especially in specialized references like the “Early United States Quarters 1796–1838” by Steve Tompkins or the works of Walter Breen. The presence of this overdate makes the coin not only a date variety but also a conversation piece and a tangible artifact of minting history.
In summary, the 1825/4 Draped Bust Quarter in Very Good condition is a historically rich and visually evocative coin from the early years of U.S. silver coinage. Despite its circulation wear, it retains the fundamental traits that define it as a significant numismatic piece: the classic early 19th-century design, the unmistakable overdate error, and the legacy of a young nation refining its coinage practices. It offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a small but impactful piece of America’s early monetary history, imbued with both beauty and story.