1909 Barber Quarter

About This Coin

The 1909 Barber Quarter is a United States quarter from the Barber Quarters 1892-1916 series — 18th of 25 years in the series. In 1909, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 16.4 million. This ranks 23rd 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. Produced during the Progressive Era, when President Theodore Roosevelt championed a renaissance in American coin design that produced some of the most beautiful coins ever struck. 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). Produced 4 years before the celebrated 1913 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $24 to $5.9K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $37K in MS66 CAC grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by Charles E. Barber.