$2.50 Capped Bust Gold (1808–1834)

Authorized by the Act of April 2, 1792, quarter eagles weighed 67.5 grains, .9167 fineness, until the weight was changed to 64.5 grains, .8992 fineness, by the Act of June 28, 1834. The Act of January 18, 1837, established fineness at .900. Most dates before 1834 are rare. The first issue was struck in 1796; most of these had no stars on the obverse. Proofs of some dates prior to 1855 are known to exist, and all are rare.