Quarter eagle

The soon-to-follow Coinage Act of 1837 established a fineness of .900,[1] meaning that 1837 and later quarter eagles contain 0.121 troy ounces (0.133 oz; 3.8 g) of gold content.

[2] The quarter eagle denomination was officially discontinued in 1933 with the removal of the United States from the Gold Standard, although the last date of issue was 1929.

In 1829, the quarter eagle was reduced in size again to 18.2 millimetres (0.72 in), and featured smaller letters and stars.

[4]The "Classic Head" variety was designed by William Kneass, which featured a traditional maiden with a ribbon binding her long, curly hair.

[citation needed] One notable date is 1848, when 230 ounces of gold were sent to the Secretary of War Marcy by Colonel R.B.

[5] There are several specimens with proof-like surfaces and the coins are highly sought after by collectors, with one example selling for $402,500 at auction in 2006.

[6] The "Indian Head" design and the similar half eagle piece were created by Boston sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt.

The coin was a departure from other examples of American coinage because it had no raised edges, instead featuring a design sunk into the planchet.

[7] Later, however, collectors came to adore the exotic design and the coin is recognized as part of the creative renaissance of American coinage.

[9] The obverse depicts Liberty riding a hippocampus, while the reverse shows an eagle.