The US 1856 Quarter was minted during a period of economic transition in the U.S. The design, created by James B. Longacre, depicted an eagle on the reverse, symbolizing strength and national pride. The coin was struck in a silver composition, reflective of the U.S.s reliance on precious metals for currency at the time, as well as the economic stability of the era.
In 1856, the U.S. was experiencing expansion and growth, but tensions leading to the Civil War were rising. The US 1856 Quarters design and metal composition embodied both national identity and the economic pressures of the mid-19th century, showcasing the intersection of politics, currency, and design.