1898 Barber Quarter Dollar
United States Mint · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money > Coins: US > Quarters > Barber (1892-1916)
Era / Decade
1890s (Dated 1898)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (0.18084 troy oz actual silver weight)
Condition
Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8). The coin shows significant circulation wear; the word 'LIBERTY' on the headband is likely worn away or only faint, which is the primary grading factor for this series. Visible scratches and a dark patina/toning are present.
Demand Level
Moderate. There is always a baseline demand for 'junk silver' (90% coinage), though common-date quarters in lower grades move slower than key dates or higher grades.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$8.00 - $12.00 (Low: Melt value/Cull, Mid: Common Date G/VG, High: If mint mark on reverse is 'S')
Estimated Retail Value
$10.00 - $15.00
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sold listings for 1898 Barber Quarters in 'Good' condition range from $7.50 to $11.50 plus shipping. Price increases slightly with higher silver spot prices.
Description
Authentic 1898 Barber Quarter featuring the head of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and laurel wreath on the obverse. This 90% silver US coin was designed by Charles E. Barber. It shows honest wear from over a century of circulation, retaining clear date and major design outlines.
Key Features
Pre-1964 90% silver content; high historical interest; classic Barber design; 19th-century date; essential for 'type set' collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct denticles on the rim; distinct 1898 font style consistent with US Mint dies; natural wear patterns. Level of confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Heavy circulation wear; surface scratches (hairlines) across the face of Liberty; significant toning/tarnish; possible 'cleaned' appearance in some areas which can decrease collector value.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for reaching collectors), local coin shops (fast cash, but lower payout), or r/pmsforsale on Reddit for silver stacker interest.
Selling Tips
Do NOT clean or polish the coin, as this destroys numismatic value. Use a macro lens for photos to show the crown detail. Mention '90% Silver' in the title. Check the reverse for a mint mark (O or S)—an 'S' (San Francisco) significantly increases value.