USA 25 cents Barber Quarter 1896

USA, San Francisco
coin preview img index-1 coin preview img index-2

Rarity

Scarce

Attributes of Coins

RegionUSA
Denomination¼ dollar
Krause numberKM# 114
Mintage188,039
MetalSilver 0.900
thickness1.75 mm
diameter24.26 mm
weight6.25 g
Obverse:
coin obverse image
Liberty
Star
Creators:
Charles Edward Barber
IN GOD WE TRUST
Reverse:
coin reverse image
Coat of arms
Description:
Eagle (heraldry)
Creators:
Charles Edward Barber
E PLURIBUS UNUM
QUARTER DOLLAR
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Introduction of Coins

This is the first of the Big Three rarities in the Barber Quarter series that makes its completion so challenging to collectors. It appears that the distressed economy really caught up with the San Francisco Mint, as this year's production is among the lowest recorded for the coin type. Examples are rare in all grades, with those in the higher circulated grades being in particular demand and short supply. Mint State coins are likewise rare, though there seems to be a higher percentage of gems than for most issues. It's possible that the value of this date/mint prompts multiple submissions of the same coins, skewing the census data a bit. Two die pairs were used for this abortive coinage, and both featured the centered mintmark position. The style of S remained the same as for all quarters 1892-97, and this is helpful in detecting coins to which a mintmark has been added. One of the obverse dies clashed with its reverse, leaving fine horizontal lines visible within Liberty's ear from the shield's chief.Read More