The 1892-S Barber Quarter is considered one of the scarcer issues in the series.
Factors such as wear and tear, loss, and melting have reduced the number of surviving coins over time, contributing to the coin’s rarity.
Key Takeaways:
1. The 1892-S Barber Quarter is part of the Barber Quarter series, which was minted from 1892 to 1916.
2. The 1892-S Barber Quarter is considered one of the scarcer issues in the series despite a mintage of just under one million coins.
3. Factors such as wear and tear, loss, and melting have reduced the number of surviving coins over time, contributing to the coin’s rarity.
The Barber Quarter Series
The Barber Quarter series was minted from 1892 to 1916 and was designed by Charles E. Barber.
The coins were named after their designer and feature a head of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
The series is known for its intricate design and high level of detail, making it a popular choice among collectors.
The Barber Quarter series includes 74 coins, including regular strikes and proofs.
The regular strikes were minted in Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Denver, while the proofs were only minted in Philadelphia.
The series also includes several key dates and varieties that collectors highly sought after.
One of the most valuable and rare coins in the series is the 1892-S Barber Quarter.
It had a low mintage of only 964,079 and was minted in San Francisco.
Collectors highly sought after the coin, worth thousands of dollars in uncirculated condition.
Minting the 1892-S Barber Quarter
The Barber Quarter was designed by Charles E. Barber, who also designed other coins such as the Barber Dime and the Barber Half Dollar.
The coin features the head of Liberty facing right on the obverse side and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse side.
The coin is named after its designer, Charles E. Barber.
The 1892-S Barber Quarter was minted in San Francisco, one of the four mints that produced these coins.
The other three mints were Philadelphia, Denver, and New Orleans.
The 1892-S Barber Quarter was minted using silver (90%) and copper (10%).
The coin weighs 6.3g and has a diameter of 24.3mm.
The coin’s edge is reeded, meaning it has a series of ridges around its circumference.
The rarity of the 1892-S Barber Quarter
| Grades | Price as of September 2023 |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $38 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $83 |
| Fine (F-12) | $116 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $182 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $266 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $547 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $739 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS-63) | $1,300 |
If you are a coin collector, you might wonder how rare the 1892-S Barber Quarter is.
The 1892-S Barber Quarter is one of the most sought-after coins in the Barber Quarter series due to its rarity and value.
The table above shows the current value of this coin as of September 2023.
Circulated Conditions
The 1892-S Barber Quarter is considered rare in circulated conditions.
According to USA Coin Book, as of September 2023, the 1892-S Barber Quarter in Good condition is worth less than $50.
However, in Fine condition, the value increases to around $110; in Very Fine condition, it can be worth up to $180.
This is due to the coin’s scarcity, as only 964,079 were minted in San Francisco.
Uncirculated Conditions
The 1892-S Barber Quarter is even rarer in uncirculated conditions. In MS60 condition, the coin is worth around $739; in MS65 condition, it can be worth up to $1,300!
However, it is worth mentioning that an MS67 CAC condition of this coin was auctioned for $35,250 in 2014.
Factors Influencing Rarity
Several factors come into play when determining the rarity of the 1892-S Barber Quarter. These factors include:
- Mintage
- The mintage of the 1892-S Barber Quarter was 964,079. While this may seem large, it is relatively low compared to other quarters from the same period.
- For example, the mintage of the 1892 Philadelphia Barber Quarter was 8,236,000, making it much more common than the 1892-S.
- The mintage of the 1892-S Barber Quarter was 964,079. While this may seem large, it is relatively low compared to other quarters from the same period.
- Condition
- The condition of a coin can greatly impact its rarity. The 1892-S Barber Quarter is no exception. Coins that are in excellent condition are much rarer than those that are heavily worn or damaged.
- This is because coins that are in good condition are more likely to have been preserved over time.
- Historical Significance
- The 1892-S Barber Quarter is the first year of issue for the Barber Quarter series.
- This adds to its historical significance and makes it more desirable to collectors.
- Additionally, the fact that it was minted in San Francisco adds to its rarity, as coins from this mint tend to be more sought after.
- Survival Rates
- Finally, the survival rate of the 1892-S Barber Quarter also plays a role in its rarity.
- Over time, many coins are lost or destroyed, making certain coins much rarer than others. While the 1892-S Barber Quarter’s survival rate is unknown, many of these coins have likely been lost or damaged over time, further adding to their rarity.
Before you go…
Overall, the 1892-S Barber Quarter is a valuable and historically significant coin that collectors highly sought after. Its rarity and condition make it a valuable addition to any collection. Still, it is important to research and purchase from a trusted dealer to ensure authenticity and value.
Check out my next article: “What is a 1946-S Roosevelt Dime?“
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