1838 Seated Liberty Quarter 25C, No Drapery

The 1838 Seated Liberty Quarter, also known as the No Drapery variety, is a significant coin in American numismatics. It is part of the Seated Liberty series of coins minted by the United States Mint from 1838 to 1891. 

The Seated Liberty design, created by Christian Gobrecht, features a seated figure of Liberty holding a shield in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. The obverse also includes the inscription "LIBERTY" and the date below the seated figure. 

The No Drapery variety of the 1838 Seated Liberty Quarter refers to the absence of drapery or fabric folds around Liberty's left elbow on the obverse of the coin. In later years of the series, additional drapery was added to the design, making the No Drapery variety distinctive and highly sought after by collectors. 

On the reverse side of the coin, there is an eagle with outstretched wings holding arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing strength and peace. The eagle is surrounded by the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR." 

The 1838 Seated Liberty Quarter, particularly the No Drapery variety, holds historical significance as one of the first issues of the Seated Liberty series. It represents a transitional period in American coinage, as the United States Mint sought to modernize its designs and improve the aesthetic appeal of its coinage. 

Today, the 1838 Seated Liberty Quarter, especially in the No Drapery variety, is highly coveted by collectors for its historical significance, aesthetic beauty, and relative scarcity. Each specimen serves as a tangible link to the early days of American coinage and the evolution of numismatic artistry in the United States. 

The 1838 Seated Liberty Quarter holds a special place in the annals of American numismatics, not only for its historical significance but also for the broader context of the era in which it was minted.  

The late 1830s marked a period of significant transformation in the United States, both economically and socially, and the coinage of the time reflects these changes. 

The Seated Liberty design itself is emblematic of the values and ideals of the young nation. Liberty, depicted in a seated position, symbolizes stability and strength, while the inclusion of the shield and olive branch speaks to America's commitment to both defense and diplomacy.  

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