By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek Notes …..
The Philadelphia Mint struck 4,440,000 Barber Quarters in 1895 – a tiny sum by today’s standards but routine for the time.
Hundreds of examples survive in Mint State, and the coin is plentiful in circulated grades, especially in grades below Very Fine.
The market price of an example in grades below Very Fine is based on the prevailing silver spot price plus a few dollars for the “numismatic premium”.
In Mint State, examples in grades below MS63 can be found for $500 or less. The Registry Set collector is likelier to pursue coins in MS66 or above and pay extra attention to coins with booming luster or attractive toning. Attractively toned coins exist for this date, with several coins photographed by NGC, PCGS, and the auction companies exhibiting beautiful iridescent colors on one or both sides. Conversely, unattractive toning on some coins with numerically high grades may turn off collectors, given the high price points typically asked for coins at these grade levels.
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Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens
Top Population: PCGS MS67+ (3, 4/2024), NGC MS67 (5, 4/2024), and CAC MS67 (4:0 stickered:graded, 4/2024).
- PCGS MS67+ CAC #38855604: “D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part VII,” Stack’s Bowers, March 20, 2020, Lot 7078 – $19,200. Custom Pogue insert. Attractively toned.
- PCGS MS67+ 81285709: As PCGS MS67 #6071171. Heritage Auctions, June 23, 2014, Lot 30420 – $8,812.50. Since this sale, this coin has been upgraded by 1/2 point. Imaged above.
- NGC MS67 #6329598-013: As NGC MS67 #652429-001. Heritage Auctions, September 18, 2020, Lot 3129 – $4,800. As NGC MS67 #3818282-001. Stack’s Bowers, August 25, 2022, Lot 4166 – $5,040. As NGC MS67 #6329598-013. Heritage Auctions, December 15, 2023, Lot 3285 – $4,320. Stack’s Bowers, April 3, 2024, Lot 5351 – $4,200. Brilliant. In RARCOA green holder. Copper spot to the right of Liberty’s chin. Planchet void on the reverse between the eagle’s wing and arrow tips. Scattered toning spots.
- PCGS MS67 #35793869: As PCGS MS67 #15493869. Heritage Auctions, August 14, 2006, Lot 5189 – $11,500; Heritage Auctions, January 6, 2010, Lot 920 – $6,612.50. As PCGS MS67 CAC #35793869. “R.S.D. Collection”; Legend Rare Coin Auctions, April 28, 2022, Lot 131 – $7,931.25. R.S.D. Collection on the insert; Legend Rare Coin Auctions, September 8, 2022, Lot 103 – $8,812.50. Rust-colored toning on the obverse. Foam-colored toning on the reverse.
- PCGS MS67 #38995052: Heritage Auctions, April 23, 2020, Lot 3420 – $6,300.
- PCGS MS67 #35201358: Heritage Auctions, June 14, 2018, Lot 3918 – $3,840. Dark orange and russet toning on the obverse. Lightly toned reverse.
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Coin Specifications
| Country: | United States of America |
| Year Of Issue: | 1895 |
| Denomination: | Quarter Dollar (25 Cents USD) |
| Mint Mark: | None (Philadelphia) |
| Mintage: | 4,440,000 |
| Alloy: | 90% Silver, 10% copper |
| Weight: | 6.30 g |
| Diameter: | 24.30 mm |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| OBV Designer: | Charles E. Barber |
| REV Designer: | Charles E. Barber |
| Quality: | Business Strike |
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