In 1796, George Washington was leaving office, The United States had declared a policy of "no entangling alliances" with foreign countries, and the mint was preparing to roll out a new currency denomination.
The quarter dollar was introduced in 1796, and featured a portrait of a woman (presumably Lady Liberty) facing right, flanked by a total of fifteen stars - seven on the right and eight on the left. "LIBERTY" is printed just above the woman's head, and the mint year at the bottom. The coin's reverse depicts an eagle standing atop a cloud, encircled by a wreath of olive and palm. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" circles the reverse.
The design was modified in 1804 to display a different eagle on the reverse, clenching an "E PLURIBUS UNUM" ribbon in its beak. A shield appears on the eagle's breast, and the traditional arrows and olive branches are within the eagle's claws.
The design was retired in 1807.
United States Coinage