-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 53242
Checkout
The 1820 Capped Bust Quarter with the Large 0 variety, graded in Very Good (VG) condition, is a significant piece of early American numismatic history. The Capped Bust design was first introduced on U.S. quarters in 1815 and continued through 1838, symbolizing a time of growth and development for the young nation. The 1820 issue, in particular, falls within a key period of U.S. coinage when the nation's economy was stabilizing after the War of 1812, and coinage demand was increasing. While the design is now considered classic, it was an essential step toward creating more uniform and durable U.S. currency. In VG condition, this 1820 quarter may show considerable wear from circulation, but it still retains enough detail to appreciate its historical and artistic value.
The obverse of the 1820 Capped Bust Quarter features a portrait of Liberty facing to the left, wearing a cap inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Her hair flows gracefully beneath the cap, and the design is framed by thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen colonies. Below Liberty’s bust is the date "1820," and in the Large 0 variety, the zero in the date is noticeably larger than the other numerals, making it a distinctive feature for collectors. In Very Good condition, much of the finer detail on Liberty’s face, hair, and cap may be worn smooth from circulation. However, the overall outline of Liberty remains visible, and the stars around her head, though possibly faint, can still be discerned. The Large 0 in the date is typically clear, adding to the coin's appeal for those who appreciate die varieties and early U.S. minting nuances.
The reverse of the 1820 Capped Bust Quarter showcases a powerful image of an eagle with outstretched wings, holding arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right. This depiction symbolizes the nation’s readiness for both war and peace, a theme that resonates with the country's efforts to establish itself on the world stage during the early 19th century. Above the eagle’s head is a scroll bearing the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM," while the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" forms a semicircle around the top of the design. Below the eagle is the denomination "25 C." In Very Good condition, the eagle's details, such as the feathers and the facial features, may be worn, but the overall shape of the eagle and the inscriptions remain clear. The arrows and olive branch are still distinguishable, though some smoothing of detail is expected in this grade. Despite the wear, the reverse design remains striking and conveys the strength and resilience of the young nation.
The 1820 Capped Bust Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the nation’s first and only mint at the time. Established in 1792, the Philadelphia Mint was responsible for producing the majority of the country's coinage throughout the early 19th century. The mint had developed more sophisticated coinage technology by the 1820s, but the process was still labor-intensive, with many coins being struck by hand-operated presses. This led to slight variations in the coins produced, such as the Large 0 variety, which is the result of a distinctive die used during that year’s production. The absence of a mint mark on the 1820 quarter indicates its origin from Philadelphia, as the practice of using mint marks did not become standard until later in U.S. coinage history.
The mintage of the 1820 Capped Bust Quarter was 127,444 coins, a relatively modest figure by modern standards but typical for the time. Given the high demand for small denomination coins in everyday transactions, many of these quarters were heavily circulated, which explains the scarcity of high-grade examples today. In VG condition, surviving 1820 quarters like this one are particularly prized by collectors for their historical significance and rarity. The Large 0 variety adds an additional layer of collectability, as die varieties from early U.S. coinage are sought after by numismatists who specialize in these unique features. The relatively low mintage, combined with the variety and age of the coin, makes the 1820 Capped Bust Quarter an appealing piece for any collection of early American silver.
In Very Good condition, the 1820 Capped Bust Quarter with the Large 0 variety displays the effects of long-term circulation, but it retains enough of its original design elements to be appreciated by collectors. The wear on the obverse and reverse is consistent with its age, and while the finer details of Liberty’s portrait and the eagle may be worn down, the overall design remains clear and identifiable. This level of wear tells the story of a coin that was used in everyday commerce during a formative period in U.S. history, adding to its character and charm. Despite the wear, the Large 0 variety makes this coin an interesting and valuable piece for those who enjoy collecting early U.S. quarters with distinctive features.
The 1820 Capped Bust Quarter in VG condition is a significant piece of U.S. numismatic history. It reflects the nation’s early efforts to establish a stable and reliable currency system, and its design by John Reich, with its classical imagery of Liberty and the eagle, embodies the ideals of freedom and strength that were central to the United States during its formative years. The Large 0 variety adds an additional layer of interest for collectors, as it highlights the unique characteristics of early U.S. minting. This quarter, with its historical importance and aesthetic appeal, is a valuable addition to any collection of early American silver coinage.