1834 Proof Coins with a Capped Bust in the Center. Modern Proof coins have very rare, extremely frosted devices and feature extremely deep mirrored fields. They are made by the millions for coin collectors who want them.
It was not unusual 200 years ago to have coins specially made for coin collectors who wanted to purchase one for their collection. In 1834, only 10 Proof quarters were made, and the United States Mint was only able to produce proof coins when collectors asked for them.
1804 Draped Bust Quarter. 1834 Proof Capped Bust Quarter. Gobrecht designed the Liberty Quarter, which was made in 1838 by the United States Mint.
The United States Mint did not produce many Proof coins; collectors only asked for them when they wanted them. Coin collecting became popular in the United States only in the middle of the 1800s.