1804 $2.50 (1804 Quarter Eagle) 14 Stars, NGC AU Details. This rare early 1804 Quarter Eagle shows sufficient separation in the lines of Libertys hair, cap, and drapery to allow for a high AU grade. The coin is well struck on the obverse center and right side and the right side of the reverse as well. It shows adjustment marks across the shield and the left edge. These marks are the result of the coin being overweight and subsequently filed to meet the necessary standard. They are not included when grading the coin. Some mint luster remains within the protected areas of the coin.

The 1804 fourteen star reverse is an unusual coin because it is believed that the reverse die was leftover from 1798, which had fourteen stars in a cross arrangement. The die was also used to strike 1804 dimes.

Robert Scot designed the quarter eagle. It shows a round-faced Liberty in profile, facing right. She wears a large, loose cap. Her hair flows up over the cap creating a turban-like impression. Because of this lock of hair, the design is sometimes called a Turban Head. Thirteen stars, eight right and five left are on each side with the date below the truncation. The reverse is a modification of the Great Seal of the United States of America. It shows a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast. Fourteen stars are in a cross arrangement above its head. Above the stars is a group of clouds arranged in an arc. Across the eagles neck is a banner inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM. Arrows are in its right talon and an olive branch is in its left. The required inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the eagle. Dentils are on both sides of the coin.

The reverse design is incorrect. By placing the war-like arrows in the right talon, Scot is showing an extremely martial stance, perhaps because the United States had been engaged in an undeclared naval war with France, and the symbolism was a signal to France and other to respect Americas sovereignty.

Although the grading services do not give population report numbers for details graded coins, NGC shows 65 coins in all grades for this issue. Clearly the 14 Stars 1804 quarter eagle is a rarity in any condition.