Minted from 1892 to 1916, Barber quarters are one of the most popular and widely collected 20th century U.S. coin series. Designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, these classic 90% silver coins feature the bust of Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.
Over a quarter billion Barber quarters were struck across 4 mints (Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco and New Orleans), creating a diverse set filled with scarce dates and varieties for collectors to pursue. While well-worn common date examples can still be obtained for a modest sum, pristine high-grade Barber quarters, especially better dates, are among the most valuable and coveted U.S. coins.
So what is your Barber quarter worth? As with any coin, the value ultimately depends on its condition, rarity, and demand from collectors. Let‘s take an in-depth look at the factors that determine Barber quarter values and see what these classic silver coins are selling for today.
Barber Quarter Values By Date and Mintmark
While mintage is one component of scarcity and value, the rarity and grade of any surviving examples is more important to collectors. Many Barber quarters had high mintages but are quite scarce today in uncirculated condition due to extensive circulation. Others had lower mintages but are relatively available. Here is a rundown of the series with average values:
1892-1916 Philadelphia (no mintmark):
The Philadelphia Mint struck Barber quarters every year of the series with no mintmark. Most are very common, with gems available for under $500. The rarest are the 1896, 1901-S, and 1913 which can command over $10,000 in high grades.
1892-O to 1909-O New Orleans:
New Orleans struck quarters until 1909. Most are very affordable, under $100 in circulated grades. The keys are the 1892-O micro O, 1896-O and 1909-O. High grade examples of these can sell for $10,000 to $50,000+.
1892-S to 1916-S San Francisco:
San Francisco produced quarters most years and many dates are scarce. The 1893-S, 1897-S, 1901-S and 1913-S are the keys, all very rare in mint state with gem examples selling for up to $200,000.
1906-D to 1916-D Denver:
Denver struck quarters from 1906 onward. Most are available for under $200 in circulated grades. The 1911-D and 1914-D are scarce. Superb gems of these sell for $20,000 to $50,000.
Barber Quarter Values By Grade
As with all coins, condition is paramount to value. Barber quarters are graded on the Sheldon 1-70 scale, with 70 being flawless mint state. Here is a quick look at values for a common date in different circulated and uncirculated grades:
- Good (G-4): $10-20
- Very Good (VG-8): $15-30
- Fine (F-12): $25-50
- Very Fine (VF-20): $40-75
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): $75-150
- About Uncirculated (AU-50): $100-300
- Mint State 60 (MS-60) : $400+
- MS-63: $500+
- MS-65: $1,000+
- MS-67: $10,000+
Of course, these are just average retail prices for a non-key date. Rarities can sell for much more in pristine condition. An 1892-S graded MS-67 by PCGS sold for a staggering $550,000 in a 2016 auction!
Error Coins and Varieties
Like any series, the Barber quarters have their share of interesting die varieties and errors that collectors pay a premium for. Here are a few to look out for:
1892-O Micro O:
Some 1892 quarters struck in New Orleans have a much smaller O mintmark. These are scarce and worth $500+ in circulated grades.
Doubled Dies:
Doubling can be found on various dates, especially in the legends and date. These errors can add 50-100% to the value.
Off-Center Strikes:
Minor off-center strikes of 3-10% are most common for the series and sell for $200-1,000 depending on the magnitude of the error.
Proofs and Patterns
The U.S. Mint struck proof coins for collectors in every year of the series. Proofs were minted in smaller quantities with polished dies and planchets, resulting in coins with sharper details and mirror-like fields. Cameo proofs with frosted devices are especially desirable.
Proof Barber quarters were minted in quantities of just 500-1000 for most years. Prices range from $2,500 for a 1915 in PR-63 to over $100,000 for an ultra cameo 1898 in PR-68.
A few rare pattern coins were also struck in the series for the quarters. The 1892 Judd-1773 Amazonian Quarter is one coveted rarity with 10-15 examples known. One sold for $24,000 in a 2022 auction.
Appraising and Grading Your Barber Quarter
With such a large spread in values between grades, it‘s crucial to get an accurate assessment of your coin‘s condition. While you can do a preliminary grading yourself using the ANA guidelines, it‘s best to have any Barber quarter you believe is valuable evaluated by a trusted dealer or third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC.
For high-value coins, it‘s worth the fee to have them authenticated and graded by PCGS or NGC. A high grade assigned by these top tier services can add significant value. For example, an 1899 Barber quarter graded MS-68 by PCGS sold for $45,000 in 2021, while an ungraded example in the same condition may fetch 50% less or worse.
Barber Quarter Values Over Time
Silver coins like Barber quarters have intrinsic value from their precious metal content in addition to their numismatic value. With silver prices rising over the decades from under $1 per ounce to nearly $20 today, the melt value of a Barber quarter now exceeds $4 based on its 90% silver composition.
That has helped put a floor under Barber quarter prices. In 1965, a complete circulated set could be obtained for around $100. That same set would cost over $2,500 today. Meanwhile, high grade examples have soared in value as more collectors vie for pristine examples. An uncirculated 1901-S purchased for $1000 in 1980 would be worth well over $10,000 today.
Investing in Barber Quarters
Barber quarters offer something for every collector at every budget from affordable circulated examples to five and six figure condition rarities. When buying Barber quarters with an eye toward investment, look for problem-free original coins in the best condition you can afford from a reputable seller. Certified coins in PCGS and NGC holders are your safest bet – what you see is what you get.
Key dates and high grade examples have shown the best ROI over time. An 1892-S or 1901-S in MS-66 may seem expensive at $50,000 today, but could easily appreciate to six figures in the future based on the extreme rarity and consistent demand for these dates. Even a more affordable rarity like an 1896-S in MS-63 for $5,000 has lots of room for growth over time.
Whether you‘re assembling a complete set or cherry picking better dates, focus on rarity, condition and eye appeal. Buy the best you can afford and be patient – rare coins are a long-term hold. With careful acquisition, your collection of Barber quarters could become an important asset to pass down to heirs or sell for a tidy profit in the future.
After all, there will always be new collectors wanting a piece of these classic American silver coins, but only a fixed supply to go around, especially of the key dates and finest known examples. Happy collecting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes a Barber quarter valuable?
A: Barber quarter values are based on condition (grade), date and mintmark rarity, and variety/error status.
Q: How much silver is in a Barber quarter?
A: Barber quarters contain .18084 troy oz of pure silver and weigh 6.25 grams with a 90% silver, 10% copper composition.
Q: Where can I sell my Barber quarters?
A: You can sell to a trusted local coin shop or through online venues like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and GreatCollections. For high value coins, consider consigning to a specialty auction company.
Q: Are Barber quarters still in circulation?
A: While it‘s very unlikely you‘ll find a Barber quarter in change today, they do occasionally turn up. Check your pocket change just in case!
