The Barber quarter, designed by Charles E. Barber, ran from 1892 through 1916 and shares its Liberty Head obverse with the Barber dime and half dollar. The obverse shows Liberty facing right in a Phrygian cap and laurel wreath with stars and IN GOD WE TRUST; the reverse carries a heraldic eagle adapted from the Great Seal of the United States — the heraldic eagle’s first appearance on the quarter since 1807.
Key facts
- Designed by: Charles E. Barber
- Issue dates: 1892–1916
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Weight: 6.25 grams (96.45 grains)
- Edge: Reeded
Type collectors can find coins from Good through Fine easily; Very Fine and especially Extremely Fine and higher are much scarcer than catalog prices suggest, because the word LIBERTY on the headband wears off quickly. Proofs were struck every year from 1892 through 1915 (none in 1916).
The three key dates are the 1896-S, 1901-S, and 1913-S. Mintages don’t tell the whole story: the 1913-S has the lowest mintage (40,000) but more were saved, so in most grades the 1901-S is the rarest, followed by the 1896-S, with the 1913-S more available by comparison.
We actively buy Barber quarters in every grade, from well-worn type coins to the key S-mint dates and choice Mint State and Proof examples. Send photos for a free, no-obligation offer.