1901 Barber Quarter

About This Coin

The 1901 Barber Quarter is a United States quarter from the Barber Quarters 1892-1916 series — 10th of 25 years in the series. In 1901, coins were struck at the New Orleans, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 10.6 million. This ranks 15th 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. The 1901-S with a mintage of only 72,664 is the undisputed key date and one of the most valuable 20th-century coins. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 6.3 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $24 to $63K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $550K in MS68 grade at Superior Galleries. Designed by Charles E. Barber.