The most valuable quarter of the Barber series is the 1913-S Barber Quarter. This coin is renowned for its scarcity, low mintage, and historical significance, making it one of the most prized coins in U.S. numismatics.
What Is the Barber Quarter Series?
The Barber coinage series includes dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted from 1892 and 1916. These coins, designed by Charles E. Barber, Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, feature Lady Liberty on the obverse, wearing a Phrygian cap and laurel wreath, while the reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings. Barber quarters are collectible for the simplicity of their design.
The 1913-S: Most Valuable Barber Quarter
With only 40,000 coins minted, the 1913-S Quarter has the lowest mintage of any regular-issue. Combined with its limited survival rate makes it a treasure among collectors. The value of the 1913-S can range from $2,000 in even low grades to more than $60,000 in the highest grades.
Why Is This Coin Famous?
The 1913-S Barber Quarter is famous due to its scarcity, especially in higher grades. With only 40,000 coins minted, many were lost or heavily circulated, making well-preserved examples extremely rare. As the last coin minted in San Francisco before the series ended in 1916, it represents a final chapter in Barber coinage history.
1913-S Barber Quarter Values
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $2,000 – $2,500 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $4,000 – $5,000 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $10,000 – $12,000 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $18,000 – $20,000 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $25,000+ |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $50,000 – $60,000 |
Other Barber Quarters Worth Thousands
Several other quarters from the Barber era are also highly valuable, especially in high grades:
1. 1896-S Barber Quarter
The 1896-S Quarter is valuable because of its low mintage; few high-grade examples have survived. Along with the 1901-S and 1913-S, it is one of the “Big Three” rare Barber Quarters.
- Mintage: 188,039
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $1,000 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $2,000 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $5,000 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $10,000 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $15,000+ |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $30,000+ |
1901-S Barber Quarter
The 1901-S Quarter is often considered the “holy grail” of a collection. Only 72,664 coins were minted in San Francisco, making it the lowest mintage Barber Quarter of any regular issue.
Many surviving examples are well-worn due to heavy circulation, and finding higher-grade examples makes it one of the most challenging coins to acquire.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $4,000 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $8,000 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $20,000 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $40,000 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $50,000+ |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $100,000+ |
3. 1914-S Quarter
While it doesn’t reach the legendary status of some others, the 1914-S Barber Quarter is highly sought after due to its low mintage.
Out of the 264,000 coins minted at the San Francisco Mint, many of these quarters saw heavy circulation and their features worn away. Low mintage and high demand among collectors make it a valuable coin.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $200 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $500 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $1,200 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $3,000 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $5,000+ |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $10,000+ |
Why Were Barber Quarters Minted in 90% Silver?
At the time, U.S. quarters were minted in 90% silver as part of a standard precious metal composition for circulating coinage. This silver content helped stabilize the coins’ intrinsic value and ensured durability.
Over decades of circulation, most Barber Quarters have become extremely worn, with details on Lady Liberty and the reverse eagle barely visible.
Coins in slick or extremely worn conditions are less collectible. However, each has roughly 0.1808 troy ounces of silver, giving them intrinsic value tied to the silver spot price. Because of this, they are often bought and sold by bullion investors for their melt value as a way to accumulate “junk silver” without paying high premiums.
Conclusion
These Barber Quarters represent some of the rarest and most valuable coins in the series, especially prized in high grades due to their low mintages and survival rates. Collectors highly value these coins for their beauty, historical significance, and the rarity that comes with limited production and heavy circulation.