1828

The 1828 Capped Bust quarter marks the closing year of the Type 1 large-size design. Philadelphia struck approximately 102,000 pieces across all die marriages, including the standard 1828 covered here and the well-known 1828 25 over 50 C variety, which is cataloged separately. After 1828, the Mint suspended quarter production for two years; coinage did not resume until 1831, when William Kneass modified John Reich's original design into the smaller Type 2 quarter with reduced diameter and no scroll on the reverse. The 1828 is therefore a transitional date with historical weight, even though survival numbers are higher than the early-1820s overdates because the production run was substantially larger. Most known examples circulated for decades before being saved.

Specifications follow the Type 1 large-size standard at 27 millimeters in diameter, 6.74 grams of 89.24 percent silver alloyed with copper, and a reeded edge. The obverse carries Liberty in her cloth cap with thirteen stars framing the date, while the reverse displays the heraldic eagle with E PLURIBUS UNUM on a scroll above. Three principal Browning die marriages are recognized for the standard 1828, designated B-1 through B-3, with B-3 reserved for the 25 over 50 C variety; the standard issue is most often encountered as B-1 or B-2. PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) attribute on holders, and Browning plate matching combined with weight verification near 6.74 grams confirms authenticity for beginning collectors.

Mint State 1828 quarters are scarce and command attention at Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers, while circulated examples are accessible at moderate prices. PCGS and NGC populations together record several hundred certified survivors, with most concentrated below About Uncirculated. Gem-grade survivors above MS64 thin out quickly, giving advanced type collectors a meaningful upgrade path. The 1828 is a logical closing date for a Type 1 set within the Capped Bust Quarter series history.