Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 3/18/2024: Gold $2147 | Silver $25.02


Barber Quarter Values

Barber quarter values start at $6.04 . With silver in the range of $25.02 , dealers pay a minimum of $6.04 to $6.95 each for these old quarters. A strong price representing the large silver content.

Collector's place premiums on uncommon dates and mintmark combinations. Condition is also important, often the deciding factor to how much a Barber quarter is worth. Follow the step by step approach to identify the potential of your coin.

Barber Quarter Minted 1892 to 1916

Steps Leading to Value:

  • Step 1: Date and Mintmark Variety - Many dates and mints are involved in the series, some readily available, some rare.
  • Step 2: Grading Condition - Using video and images, follow the descriptions to narrow the condition and value of your coin.
  • Step 3: Special Qualities - A common silver quarter trades at silver value. Identify collector quality examples.

Values of these old coins vary widely. The chart shows a few rare dates steal the show but it is clear the higher the "Grade" the more your coins are worth. Special attention to grade is given in step 2.

Barber Quarter Values
1892 to 1916
 Condition of Coin
DateGoodFineExtremely
Fine
Mint
State
  Barber Quarter Values Updated 3/18/2024
1892 $6.95 $17 $58 $170
1892 O $10.73 $53 $97 $376
1892 S $31 $70 $236 $561
1893 $6.95 $18 $60 $257
1893 O $6.95 $35 $98 $328
1893 S $18 $57 $168 $600
1894 $6.95 $40 $72 $261
1894 O $7.69 $55 $160 $356
1894 S $6.95 $30 $110 $329
1895 $6.95 $26 $59 $208
1895 O $8.42 $44 $119 $535
1895 S $19 $74 $152 $476
1896 $6.95 $19 $77 $235
1896 O $54 $116 $478 $956
1896 S $404 $1,478 $3,171 Rare
1897 $6.95 $18 $55 $227
1897 O $37 $193 $328 $1,358
1897 S $75 $230 $720 Rare
1898 $6.95 $17 $53 $219
1898 O $10.73 $61 $210 $795
1898 S $7.69 $47 $216 $896
1899 $6.95 $18 $52 $179
1899 O $8.42 $39 $152 $404
1899 S $27 $90 $160 Rare
1900 $6.04 $17 $59 $205
1900 O $9.88 $68 $193 $457
1900 S $6.95 $27 $88 $455
1901 $6.04 $23 $67 $371
1901 O $45 $153 $526 Rare
1901 S $3,467 Rare Rare Rare
1902 $6.04 $17 $89 $189
1902 O $6.95 $45 $127 $515
1902 S $9.88 $58 $125 Rare
1903 $6.04 $17 $77 $208
1903 O $6.95 $31 $133 $439
1903 S $10.73 $65 $245 $403
1904 $6.04 $19 $72 $194
1904 O $27 $75 $248 Rare
1905 $19 $40 $87 $216
1905 O $38 $74 $190 Rare
1905 S $24 $60 $118 $338
1906 $6.04 $18 $64 $167
1906 D $6.04 $18 $72 $211
1906 O $6.95 $68 $71 $290
1907 $6.04 $17 $58 $174
1907 D $6.04 $42 $75 $241
1907 O $6.95 $25 $131 $242
1907 S $7.69 $45 $175 Rare
1908 $6.04 $18 $82 $177
1908 D $6.04 $16 $63 $185
1908 O $6.95 $18 $71 $207
1908 S $40 $130 $251 $700
1909 $6.04 $17 $54 $230
1909 D $6.04 $17 $57 $191
1909 O $54 $366 $1,769 $3,528
1909 S $6.95 $31 $103 Rare
1910 $6.04 $18 $94 $201
1910 D $6.04 $41 $147 $320
1911 $6.04 $21 $60 $190
1911 D $21 $107 $308 Rare
1911 S $6.95 $70 $183 $377
1912 $6.04 $17 $48 $200
1912 S $20 $56 $135 $409
1913 $28 $96 $343 $438
1913 D $8.42 $45 $69 $289
1913 S $882 Rare Rare Rare
1914 $6.04 $17 $47 $195
1914 D $6.04 $17 $78 $183
1914 S $82 $324 $699 $2,062
1915 $6.04 $17 $57 $186
1915 D $6.04 $17 $57 $189
1915 S $25 $69 $129 $265
1916 $6.04 $17 $63 $202
1916 D $6.04 $17 $53 $179

The above are wholesale Barber quarter values. Computed from dealer's price lists with various mark-up factors figured in. They reflect closely the value you would expect to receive when selling.

Variations in value do occur subject to subtle grading points, collector demands and dealer needs.

Step 1: | Date and Mintmark Variety are Identified

Attention to date and mintmark combination is significant to collectors. A set collection of Barber quarters typically follows a date run with all mints of each year represented. Because of the availability and scarcity of certain varieties, values cover a wide range depending on date and mintmark.

Barber quarters feature bold designs on both the obverse and reverse. A bust of Liberty adorned with a Liberty cap, laurel wreath, and a ribbon inscribed "Liberty" fills the obverse. An eagle with wings outstretched is central to the reverse design. Symbolism is portrayed by the olive branch - peace, and arrows - war in the eagle's talons. Union shield represents congress and the 13 colonies and with stars above - the nation. The reverse of the Barber quarter is a study in US history.

Barber Quarter Series Mints and Mintmarks

Confirming the date located on the obverse is followed by identifying the mint striking the coin. Over the course of the series four different mints struck quarters. Placing their mintmarks on the reverse; each is easily determined.

"O" Mintmark: New Orleans Mint

New Orleans Mint Barber Quarter

Over the years 1892 to 1909 New Orleans mint produced a steady supply of Barber quarters. Typical numbers of coins were 2 to 3 million per year totaling over 49 million for the series. Collectors often focus on the New Orleans variety as a set and one date 1909 the last year from the mint is the key, scarce issue. After years of million plus production, 1909's mintage dropped to 712,000, creating a valuable Barber quarter.

Mintmark "O" indicating the New Orleans mint is on the reverse below the eagle.

"S" Mintmark: San Francisco Mint

San Francisco Mint Barber Quarter

San Francisco mint production of quarters was both sporadic and varied widely in numbers minted. Of all the mints, more San Francisco dates are premium value Barber quarters. It is known for the lowest mintage variety of the series, 1913, only 40,000 struck. A rare and highly sought coin.

Identify San Francisco mintage by the "S" mintmark on the reverse, below the tail feathers of the eagle.

"D" Mintmark: Denver Mint

Denver Mint Barber Quarter

Denver mint located in Colorado was new in 1906 and struck just over 3 million quarters that year. Production continued until the end of the series lapsing only in 1912 striking no quarters, instead focusing on Barber dimes and half dollars. Standout date variety is 1911, only 933,000 mintage a low number and now a scarce coin.

On the reverse a "D" mintmark below the eagle confirms the Denver mint variety Barber quarter.

No Mintmark: Philadelphia Mint

Philadelphia Mint Barber Quarter

Philadelphia mint was the largest contributor to the series. Minting over 159 million Barber quarters from 1892 to 1916, striking coins every year. Banner production years saw numbers toping 10 million per year. Many Philadelphia coins are the beginnings of a collection because of affordability. One year - 1913 is very scarce due to low numbers minted just over 484,000. A 1913 in above average condition is worth in the hundreds of dollars.

Philadelphia did not use a mintmark to identify its coinage of Barber quarters. No mintmark in the area under the tail feathers of the eagle is a Philadelphia quarter.

Step 2: | Grading Condition Narrows Barber Quarter Values

An old Barber quarter is 90% silver alloy with an underlining base value assigned to well-worn examples. Collector quality coins are worth far more. An accurate judgement of condition begins to identify these higher quality pieces. Comparing your coin to the grading images finds a close match and narrows grade and value range.

Use a single light source when viewing, tilting the coin at different angles helping bring out subtle details important to condition. A magnifying glass is very helpful bringing small details into view.

Barber Quarter Values are Conditional

Grade Set Barber Quarters

Mint State Grade: Barber Quarter

Obverse View: Mint State Grade Barber Quarter

Obverse: Features Identifying Mint State Grade: Defining a Mint State quarter is absence of wear to the surface of the coin. High points of the design are closely inspected to judge this condition.

Liberty's hair just above the forehead is an area prone to wear. Details of the hair are fine lines and subtle waves. All small details remain on a mint state coin.

A the very top of the cap is a large fold, its surface remains with the same texture as the surrounding metal. A fine grain to the metal produces the shine and quickly dulls when worn.

Tips of the laurel leaves are a small high relief feature. Insect the edges of all leaves for any smoothing indicating wear.

Reverse View: Mint State Grade Barber Quarter

Reverse: Features Identifying Mint State Grade: A bold eagle, outstretched wings, and a central shield are the high areas on the reverse.

Looking at the eagle's head just above the eye, no smoothness or flattening is seen. Sharp lines and defined edges remain.

Prone to wear, the top edges of the wing are well rounded from tips to shield.

Tail feathers are all without signs of flat spots or dulling of the metal. Wear quickly removes the fine grain texture of luster.

Extremely Fine Grade: Barber Quarter

Obverse View: Extremely Fine Grade Barber Quarter

Obverse: Features Identifying Extremely Fine Grade: Light wear has begun to remove just the highest areas of the design.

Liberty's hair displays a small worn area above her forehead. Fine lines are missing and a flat area has developed.

Above her hair line all letters to "Liberty" are readable on the ribbon. Detail of the upper and lower edges of the ribbon are clear. Any fading of the line is on the bottom edge and minor.

A smooth area is now on Liberty's cheek extending from her eye to jaw. A bold contour remains between the eye and cheek below.

Upper laurel leaves to the wreath show a small flattening to the edges and tips of leaves. Lower leaves are worn but all edges are visible and distinct.

Reverse View: Extremely Fine Grade Barber Quarter

Reverse: Features Identifying Extremely Fine Grade: Wear begins to flatten the fine upper edges of the design. Many minor details remain with major details bold.

A small flat area is seen on the eagle's head. A fine line remains of the very top feather.

Within the center of the neck a small flat area has merged a few lines.

Towards the tips of the wings many fine lines are flat but the major feathers are represented by a separating line.

Talons have a flat area on the top contours; however, talons are raised from the olive branch and arrow shafts.

Fine Grade: Barber Quarter

Obverse View: Fine Grade Barber Quarter

Obverse: Features Identifying the Fine Grade: A flatness is now the norm across most of the surface of a Barber quarter in Fine grade. Many bold details remain, giving the coin character.

Liberty's hair above the eye is smooth and absent of a defining line separating the hair from the forehead.

It is important letters of "Liberty" in the headband show to reach the Fine grade. "ER" is often weak but is readable. A lower line to the band is missing, upper line is partly visible.

A few leaves are outlined, not all are a flat plane. Lower leaves merge with the hair towards their ends. Upper row of leaves is outlined but faint.

Reverse View: Fine Grade Barber Quarter

Reverse: Features Identifying the Fine Grade: Moderate wear is covering the entire design. The eagle is bold and most of the motto - E Pluribus Unum is readable.

Across the tops of the wings, feather detail is smooth and blended. Feathers remain separated in the lower half of the wing.

Neck area of the eagle is smooth and flat with a few feathers showing along the edges.

Arrow shafts are beginning to merge in the area close to the talon.

Good Grade: Barber Quarter

Obverse View: Good Grade Barber Quarter

Obverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: A bold Liberty remains with a strong outline.

Liberty is almost smooth across entire portrait. She remains raised from the lower surface.

Attention now turns to condition of the rim. The rim is complete but weak in areas. Letters of In God We Trust are clear of the rim.

Stars and date are clear and bold.

Reverse View: Good Grade Barber Quarter

Reverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: Fine line detail is flattened in the Good grade.

A full outlined eagle remains. Feather details are all but gone. Wing tips must remain clear and free of the rim

Ribbon in the eagle's beak is smooth with only partial letters remaining.

Rim is weak in many areas. Legend is faint towards the tops and a few letters are just beginning to blend with the rim.

How to Video: Grading Barber Quarters

A very worn Barber quarter is valued close to silver content. True, there are valuable key dates and mint marked issues in this grade, however these are rare. Added value of your coin is best found by accurate grading. Judging your coin is a higher collector quality leads to greater worth.

Along with the video are additional images and descriptions to judge condition of your old quarters.

Video | Grading Barber Quarters

Step 3: | Special Qualities That Decide Value

Collector Quality Barber Quarter

Collector quality defines value of Barber quarters. Once a coin is worn below the Fine grade the majority of dates and mints are now valued based on silver content moving with silver prices. Each Barber quarter is 90% silver by weight; worth $6.04 to $6.95 as of 3/18/2024 . Note: built into this value is a premium due to the popularity of the series.

To break away from base silver value and become a sought-after collectible, condition decides for all dates and mints. Notice all letters of "Liberty" in the headband are visible, including the last letter "Y". This one feature, a complete "Liberty" is an excellent indication of the Fine grade and a fully collectible quality piece. All bullion quality examples lack this distinguishing feature.


Barber Quarter Bullion Condition

There are a total of 74 date and mintmark combinations in the Barber quarter series. Of these less than two dozen are premium coins below the fine grade. Now identity of date and mintmark decides value. Most coins of the series circulated and became very worn, bullion quality. Added is the mints actively reclaiming old quarters, melting and reusing the silver. In the five years 1916 to 1920 over 8 million quarters were withdrawn from circulation.

Barber quarter value is confirmed by: Step 1 - Date and Mint and then Step 2 - Condition.

References

US Mint. 1948 US Mint Annual Report. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/339
US Mint. Catalogue of Coins of the United States. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/554591

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