PCGS The Standart for the Rare Coin Industry

Barber Quarters (1892-1916)

Barber quarters first saw the light of day in circulation in 1892 and were produced continuously through the year 1916. There are three notably rare issues, pieces which even if worn smooth are worth hundreds of dollars: the 1896-S, 1901-S, and 1913-S. All other issues are readily available in all except the higher Mint State levels.

Budget Recommendations: Form a set of date and mintmark varieties in G-4 to VG-8 grade. See comment above concerning three rare San Francisco Mint issues.

Recommendations for the Connoisseur: My advice parallels that given for Barber dimes and half dollars: Start with one nice coin for "type." If you want to form a date and mintmark set, EF-40 is an economical way to go. While MS-60 through MS-62 coins are cheap (relatively speaking), most specimens look rather scruffy in these grades. For the connoisseur I recommend a nicely matched set of MS-63 and MS-64 coins, cherrypicked for aesthetic appeal. No matter which grades you choose, the 1896-S, 1901-S, and 1913-S will be expensive. A good way to go is to look at a large number of slabbed coins and pick out those which are attractive. A set of Proof-63 to Proof-64 coins, again cherrypicked, forms a nice display. MS-65 and Proof-65 coins are gorgeous.

Elite Recommendations: Build a set in MS-65 grade, except for the 1892-1915 Philadelphia Mint coins which can be Proof-65.

Standing Liberty Quarters (1916-1930)

Standing Liberty quarters, minted from 1916 through 1930, were designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, a well-known sculptor, and have a timeless, classic beauty. Particularly attractive are the Type I issues bearing the date 1917, which often have matte-like fields and are exceedingly sharply struck. Throughout the life of the design, striking was a problem, and more often than not, pieces of the Type II style (1917-1930) are not fully struck up, particularly on the design details of Miss Liberty's head. Nowhere is this more apparent than among Denver Mint coins. Particularly egregious is the 1926-D. Probably 99 out of 100 surviving Uncirculated 1926-D quarters lack detail. The 1918/7-D overdate is rare in all grades.

Budget Recommendations: Build a set in F-12 grade (G-4 to VG-8 coins are apt to be unattractive).

Recommendations for the Connoisseur: Start by buying one of each of the two types. EF-40 to AU-55 coins are bargains. Attractive, well-struck MS-63 and MS-64 coins are good buys as well, but you will have to cherrypick to avoid stained, mottled, and ugly pieces.

Elite Recommendations: Build a set in MS-65 grade with full heads on Miss Liberty. The 1918/7-S will be a toughie.