If you love collecting coins — or you’ve inherited a few old ones — you might want to take a close look. The 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history, and one in great condition could be worth up to $3.4 million today!
What Is the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle?
Here’s a quick look at this legendary coin:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle |
| Designer | John Reich |
| Denomination | $2.50 (Quarter Eagle) |
| Composition | 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper |
| Mintage | Only 2,710 made |
| Current Value | Up to $3.4 million |
| Rarity Level | Extremely rare – one-year issue |
| Auction Record | $2.35 million (Stack’s Bowers, 2015) |
The 1808 Quarter Eagle was only made for one year, which makes it incredibly rare. Very few examples survive today, and collectors around the world dream of finding one.
If you think you might have one, getting it authenticated quickly could change your life!
Why Is the 1808 Quarter Eagle So Valuable?
Several reasons make this coin a true treasure:
1. One-Year Production
This coin was minted only in 1808. No other years were made, making it especially rare.
2. Very Low Numbers
Only 2,710 coins were struck, and far fewer exist today — maybe fewer than 20!
3. Big Historical Value
Designed by John Reich, it’s part of an early redesign of American money.
4. Sky-High Auction Sales
One coin sold for $2.35 million in 2015. Private sales have reportedly reached even higher prices — up to $3.4 million for the best examples.
Even a well-worn, damaged 1808 Quarter Eagle could still sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars!
How to Identify an 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle
If you think you’ve found one, check these important details:
Obverse (Front)
- Lady Liberty facing left, wearing a cap
- The word “LIBERTY” above her head
- 13 stars around the design
- Date “1808” at the bottom
Reverse (Back)
- A large eagle with wings spread wide
- The eagle holds arrows and an olive branch
- A ribbon above the eagle says “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the edge
- “2 1/2 D.” (the denomination) at the bottom
How to Check if It’s Real
Because this coin is so valuable, there are lots of fakes out there. Here’s how to double-check:
- Design Details: Compare your coin to certified photos from PCGS or NGC.
- Weight: It should weigh about 4.37 grams. A simple precision scale can help.
- Certification: If you think you have the real thing, send it to a trusted grading service like PCGS, NGC, or ANACS for professional authentication.
Important Tip:
Never clean or polish the coin — cleaning can lower its value!
What to Do If You Have One
If you think you found an 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle:
- Don’t Clean It! Keep it exactly as it is.
- Get It Authenticated by a service like PCGS or NGC.
- Visit a Major Auction House like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
- Get a Professional Appraisal to find out its real market value.
- Consider Selling It at Auction, where rare coins often bring top dollar.
FAQs About the 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle
1. How much is an 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle worth today?
Depending on condition, it could sell from around $300,000 for a worn example up to $3.4 million for a high-grade coin.
2. Where can I sell an 1808 Quarter Eagle?
You can sell it through major auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or even Sotheby’s.
3. Are there fake versions of the 1808 Quarter Eagle?
Yes, counterfeits exist. Always get your coin checked by a trusted grading company like PCGS or NGC before trying to sell it.
4. Why were so few of these coins made?
In 1808, gold coins weren’t widely used, and many were later melted down, making survivors extremely rare today.