1897 (S) Barber Quarter
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-67). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$47,000 MS67+ 09-08-2022 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
The 1897 (S) Barber Quarter is a quarter produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Barber Quarters 1892-1916 series. Total mintage reached 542,229. The obverse features Liberty facing right wearing a Phrygian cap topped by a laurel wreath, with the word LIBERTY on a headband, while the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Designed by Charles E. Barber. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 6.3 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5618. The Barber Quarter was part of Charles Barber's matching design family that included the dime and half dollar. The 1901-S Barber Quarter (mintage 72,664) is the key date and a major 20th-century rarity. The 1896-S, 1913-S, and 1914-S are also prized semi-key dates.
