1831 Small Letters Capped Bust Silver Quarter 25c • 89% Fine Silver Type Coin (First Year of Issue) • Appears XF Extremely Fine

TOTAL MINTAGE: 398,000

This coin is part of the Capped Bust quarter series, struck from 1831 to 1838. It is a popular coin with numismatists, especially the small letters variant, which is considered more important than the large letters variant for this specific date.

This particular design features a classic representation of Liberty, known as the Capped Bust, which was created by engraver John Reich.

**Key Features:**

1. **Obverse Design**: The obverse of the coin depicts a bust of Liberty facing left, wearing a cap. The words "LIBERTY" appear above the cap, and the date "1831" is located below the bust. The "small letters" variant refers to the font size used for the inscriptions, which is smaller compared to the "large letters" variety found in some other years.

2. **Reverse Design**: The reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings, holding a ribbon in its beak that reads "E PLURIBUS UNUM." The eagle is surrounded by a wreath, and the denomination "25 C." is indicated below the eagle.

3. **Minting Details**: The 1831 Capped Bust Quarter was minted in Philadelphia. It is composed of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, which was standard for U.S. coins of that era.

4. **Historical Context**: This coin was minted during a time when the United States was expanding and solidifying its identity. The Capped Bust design reflects the neoclassical aesthetic popular in early 19th-century coinage.

Collectors often seek to acquire this coin not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its historical significance as part of early American numismatic history.