1899 Barber Quarter

About This Coin

The 1899 Barber Quarter is a United States quarter from the Barber Quarters 1892-1916 series — 8th of 25 years in the series. In 1899, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans Mints with a combined mintage of 16.0 million. This ranks 22nd of 25 years by total mintage, above the series median of 10.1 million. The obverse features Liberty facing right wearing a Phrygian cap topped by a laurel wreath, with the word LIBERTY on a headband and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 6.3 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have identified one known die variety for this date (doubled die reverse). Across its variants, estimated values range from $24 to $2.7K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $20K in MS68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Charles E. Barber.