Quarters were not issued in the United States until 1796. The so-called Draped Bust was the design used. Like the Bust dimes of the same period, these coins started out with scrawny-looking eagles on the reverse, progressing to the more proud-looking Heraldic eagles beginning in 1804. Also in 1804, the denominational value (25c) was added to the reverse. Previously, the denomination was designated by the size of the coin in relation to other coins produced in the same period.

Capped Bust quarters—the last of the large (27mm) diameter quarters—followed Draped Bust quarters. In 1831, after a three-year halt in the production of this denomination, the U.S. Mint began producing Variety 2 Capped Bust quarters, featuring a smaller, 24.3mm diameter. This denomination and variety continued until the next design was introduced in 1838: the Liberty Seated quarter.