Barber Quarter or Barber Half Dollar
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1892-1916
Denomination: 25 Cents or 50 Cents
Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Brief Description
A classic silver US coin featuring a bust of Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, designed by Charles E. Barber.
Historical Significance
Named after its designer Charles E. Barber, these coins were the workhorse of American commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Estimated Value
$10-$25 in heavily worn condition; substantially more for key dates or high grades.
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in an acid-free holder (flip or cabinet) to prevent further environmental damage.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco), O (New Orleans), or D (Denver) located on the reverse below the eagle's tail.
Mintage & Rarity
Varies by year and mint; most are common in low grades, but 1901-S and 1913-S are major rarities for quarters.
Weight & Diameter
Quarter: 6.25g / 24.3mm; Half Dollar: 12.50g / 30.6mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
About Good to Good (AG-3 to G-4). Significant wear is present, with the devices merged into the fields and the mottoes barely readable.
Obverse (Front)
Head of Liberty facing right, wearing a Phrygian cap and a laurel wreath, with 'LIBERTY' on a headband. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 13 stars, and the date.
Reverse (Back)
Heraldic eagle based on the Great Seal of the United States, clutching an olive branch and arrows. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'QUARTER DOLLAR' or 'HALF DOLLAR'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
The specific date and mint mark are the primary value drivers, followed by the degree of wear (grade).
Similar Coins
Barber Dimes share the same obverse design but are smaller and have a wreath on the reverse.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for silver weight and diameter; look for 'seams' on the edge which indicate a cast counterfeit.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1892-O 'Micro O' Half Dollar is a famous rarity; various doubled dies exist across the series.
Created At: 2026-05-01T23:57:49.244339