The Story
With our quarter dollar changing five times every year between 1999 and 2008, you're probably used to seeing lots of quarter designs. You're also used to seeing George Washington on the front. But his face has been there only since 1932, the 200th anniversary of his birth.
The first quarters, made in 1796, not only lacked Washington's picture, they also lacked a denomination. It was probably easy to tell a quarter from a dollar because a dollar had to weigh four times as much.
There was no value marked on quarters until 1804, when "25c" was added to the reverse. In 1838, "QUAR. DOL." was used, then finally spelled out in 1892, still on the back of the coin. It wasn't until the first of the new quarters was made in 1999 that "quarter dollar" was moved to the front, where you know it today.
Instead of being made of silver, today's quarters are "clad," which means coated. The inner core is pure copper and the outer covering is copper mixed with nickel.
The president who proudly graces the front of the quarter is our first: George Washington. If you see the initals "JF" at the base of his neck, they belong to the coin's sculptor, John Flanagan. Since Washington's bust is smaller on new quarters, you'll also see the initials of William Cousins, the Sculptor-Engraver who made the changes.
Before the 50 State Quarters® Program began in 1999, there was a majestic eagle on the back of the quarter...except for two years. Read about the bicentennial quarter and the new quarter designs through the "Coin of the Month" and "The Coins Are Coming" links below.
2009 Quarters
Since the 50 State Quarters® Program ends in 2008, you may be wondering what’s in store for the quarter in 2009. Well, Congress has called for six new quarters under the District of Columbia and United States Territories Quarter Program. These quarters will all be released during 2009, about two months apart.
On the fronts will be the current George Washington design. The designs on the backs will honor the District of Columbia and the five United States Territories: the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, in that order.
The United States Mint will make enough of these circulating coins for business and for collectors. Collectors will also be able to buy uncirculated and proof versions of these coins, as well as 90 percent silver versions. But everyone can search their change in 2009 for circulating versions of the District of Columbia and United States Territories quarters.
Learn all about this program and see the designs on the 2009 Quarters page!
Quarter Lexicon
- Two-bit (small-time)
Other Quarter Resources
- The bicentennial quarter was featured as the July 1999 Coin of the Month.
- Read about all the bicentennial coins in the Coin Conservatory.
- Quarters from the 50 State Quarters Program are featured under "The Coins Are Coming" by state.
- The new quarters have often been featured as Coin of the Month since 2002.
- The new quarters are also featured in the games "Cents of Color," "PuzzleMint," and "Quarter Explorer" on the Games page.
- It was much too royal for George Washington's taste: Fun Fact
- If you're worth 25 cents, why not say so? Fun Fact
- Heads, it's Washington; tails, it's Washington: Fun Fact
Teachers! Looking for lessons based on the coins in our pockets? Check out Coin Curricula.
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