If you are collecting the famous Barber quarters, you’ve likely come across the 1897 quarter and might be curious what makes this coin special. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, we’ll will explain everything you need to know about the 1897 quarter value.
The 1897 Barber quarter is fascinating in many ways—it boasts a relatively low mintage and features a few but highly sought-after die varieties. This quarter would definitely be a worthwhile addition to any collection.
This guide will walk you through the interesting history, standout features, and tips for grading and authenticating the 1897 quarter. You’ll also discover some minting errors that can boost the value of your coin.
So, let’s jump in and find out: How much is an 1897 quarter worth?
1897 Quarter Value Chart |
||||
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1897-No Mint Mark Quarter Value | $15 | $30 | $100 | $9,000 |
| 1897-O Quarter Value | $90 | $325 | $700 | $13,500 |
| 1897-S Quarter Value | $150 | $500 | $1,200 | $34,500 |
| 1897- Proof Quarter Value | – | – | – | $5,750 |
History of the 1897 Quarter
The 1897 quarter belongs to the popular Barber coin series minted by the United States Mint from 1892 to 1916. The Barber coins, consisting of the dime, quarter, and half dollar, replaced the Seated Liberty design created by the third Chief Mint Engraver, Christian Gobrecht.
The Seated Liberty design was seen as having an English influence and by the 1880s, there was widespread dissatisfaction with the design and calls to replace it. After a lot of deliberation, President Benjamin Harrison signed legislation in September 1890 making all U.S. coins eligible for redesign, after which each coin could be redesigned after the 25th year without needing Congressional approval.
A new Mint Director, Edward Leech, oversaw the inception of the Barber coinage. Leech took office in October 1890 and as a strong supporter of redesign, he wasted no time in launching a design competition. The new Mint Director invited elite artists to submit proposals for new coin designs. However, since only the winner would be rewarded, the artists declined the invitation.
Leech swiftly turned to the then Mint Chief Engraver, Charles E. Barber and, instead, asked him to design the new dime, quarter and half dollar. Leech and Barber had different creative ideas on how to design the new coins but after a prolonged and sometimes acrimonious back and forth, the two agreed on the final coin designs and the first Barber coins were minted in January, 1892 at the Philadelphia Mint.
The 1897-P quarter had a significantly high mintage at the time and is not considered a key date. However, the 1897-S quarter minted in San Francisco boasts a low mintage and survivors are rare today, making this a highly sought-after variety. The 1897 quarter is definitely an important piece for the completion of any Barber coin collection.
Also read: Top 13 Most Valuable State Quarters Worth Money
Features of the 1897 Quarter
Early coins such as the 1897 quarter can be difficult to grade and authenticate. One way to make the process is easier is familiarizing yourself with the coin’s key features. Knowing these physical characteristics can also help you identify Barber quarters worth money.
Here’s what to look out for:
Obverse of the 1897 Quarter
The front side of the 1897 quarter features a right-facing Liberty adorned in a Phrygian cap and a laurel tied at the back. The word LIBERTY is inscribed at the front of the laurel band.
The national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, is etched at the top along the rim while the date, 1897, appears at the bottom.
Thirteen stars, six to the left and seven to the right, encircle Liberty’s profile. These represent the original thirteen states.
Reverse of the 1897 Quarter
The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, which represents national resilience and defense.
In its left talon, the eagle holds an olive branch, symbolizing peace and in the left talon, a bunch of arrows, representing national security. In its beak, the eagle holds a flag with the Latin phrase, E PLURIBUS UNUM, which means “Out of Many, One.”
A constellation of thirteen stars appears above the eagle’s head, representing the original thirteen states. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are inscribed at the top along the rim while the denomination, QUARTER DOLLAR, is shown at the bottom.
Other Features of the 1897 Quarter
Additional notable features to watch out for include:
- Diameter: 24.30 millimeters
- Weight: 6.30 grams
- Edge: Reeded
- Metal Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- ASW: 0.1808oz
- Fineness: 0.9
Also read: Top 16 Most Valuable Modern Quarters Worth Money
1897 Quarter Grading
| # | Grade |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basal State-1 |
| 2 | Fair |
| 3 | Very Fair |
| 4, 5, 6 | Good |
| 7, 8, 10 | Very Good |
| 12, 15 | Fine |
| 20, 30 | Very Fine |
| 40 | Extremely Fine |
| 50 | About Uncirculated |
| 60 | Mint State |
| 65 | Mint State |
| 70 | Mint State |
When grading the 1897 Barber quarter, you should evaluate each aspect of the coin’s design on the reverse and obverse, as well as the strike quality. Other factors such as toning and overall eye appeal can also affect the coin’s grade.
On the obverse, examine high contact points including Liberty’s facial details and hair. On lower grade coins, these details will show significant wear but will be clear and crisp in high-grade quarters. Also, pay attention to the inscriptions for any signs of wear or damage.
On the reverse, inspect the eagle’s feathers, which are prone to wear. Also, examine the constellation of stars and inscription which should show full detail in higher-grade coins.
Pay attention to the strike quality as well. High grade quarters will have a strong, full and even strike while the strike will be weaker on lower grade quarters.
Check Out Now: How to Grade Barber Quarter?
1897 Quarter Value Guides
So, how much is the 1897 quarter? The value of this Barber coin depends on key factors such as the mintage, mintmark, rarity, and the coin’s condition.
There are four varieties of the 1897 quarter:
- 1897 No-Mint mark Quarter
- 1897-O Quarter
- 1897-S Quarter
- 1897 Proof Quarter
Let’s find out how much each is worth.
1897 No-Mint mark Quarter Value
In 1897, no-mintmark quarters were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which had a mintage of 8, 140,00, the highest mintage that year. As such, the 1897-P is plentiful in circulated condition but relatively scarce in Mint State.
Here’s a breakdown of the values:
Circulated Examples: These are plentiful in lower grades but the population dwindles steadily in higher grades, starting at Extra Fine (XF). Examples graded Good (G) are affordable, selling for up to $15 while a Fine (F) piece will fetch up to $30. The price shoots up steadily at higher grades with an Extra Fine (XF) example selling for at least $100 while an About Uncirculated (AU58) will bring in as much as $275.
Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples are fairly scarce but collectible until MS64, after which examples become increasingly rare. But, even in lower grades, these Mint State pieces will fetch some good money. For example, at MS60, you can expect at least $300 a piece and up to $600 for an MS64. Rare gems graded MS65 will sell for as much as $1,000 and up to $9,000 for an MS66.
Auction Record: In 2022, Stack’s Bower auctioned an MS66 for an impressive $16,450, making this the most valuable 1897 Barber quarter to date.
1897-O Quarter Value
Next, we’ll look at the 1897-O quarter, struck at the New Orleans Mint. With a modest mintage of just 1,414,800, this coin is scarce to rare, even in circulated condition.
So, how much can you expect from an 1897-O quarter?
Circulated Examples: These are scarce and examples graded Fine and higher are rare, making them highly sought-after by collectors. Examples graded Good (G) will sell for about $90 but prices shoot up significantly with quarters graded Fine (F) fetching as much as $325. An Extremely Fine (XF) example will sell for up to $700 while an About Uncirculated (AU58) will bring in at least $1,350.
Mint State Examples: Uncirculated 1897-O quarters are hard to come by. These rare specimens fetch high prices even in lower grades, for example, an MS60 will sell for up to $1,500 while an MS62 is worth as much as $1,950. The population of Mint State examples dwindles significantly from MS64, where prices can go as high as $3,300. Gem examples are genuinely rare, with an MS65 commanding up to $5,000 and as much as $13,500 for a specimen graded MS66.
Auction Record: In 2015, Heritage Auctions sold an MS66 for a record-breaking $20,563, making this the most expensive 1897-O quarter today.
1897-S Quarter Value
The San Francisco Mint had the lowest mintage, producing only 542,229 1897-S quarters, the fifth lowest mintage in the entire Barber quarters series. Examples are scarce to rare across all grades, and will command premium prices.
Here’s what to expect:
Circulated Examples: These are scarce to rare in all grades, making even lower grades worth much more than their 1897-P and 1897-O counterparts. For example, a piece graded Good (G) is worth $150, while a rare Fine (F) will sell for as much as $500. Extra Fine (XF) examples are highly sought-after, selling for at least $1200 while prices for an About Uncirculated (AU58) almost double to $2,350.
Mint State Examples: These are genuinely rare, with the population drastically dwindling from MS64. An MS60 will sell for as much as $2,500 while an MS62 will fetch up to $3,000. At MS64, a piece will command at least $4,750. Gem examples are extremely rare and will command premium prices, for example an MS65 will fetch at least $7,750 while an MS67 can sell for up to $34,500.
Auction Record: In 2022, Legend Rare Coin Auctions sold an extremely rare MS67 for a record-shattering $47,000.
1897 Proof Quarter Value
In addition to regular strike quarters, the Philadelphia Mint also struck 1897 proof quarters. About 731 proof quarters were struck that year, a smaller mintage than the previous year. Gem examples are plentiful but Cameo and Deep Cameo examples are scarce, commanding premium prices.
Here’s a breakdown of the values:
Regular Proofs: The population of proof coins is enough to satisfy collectors’ demand. Prices are affordable too—for example, at PF60 a piece will cost about $390 while a PF63 will fetch $880. Higher grade gems have more prohibitive prices with a PF64 selling for about $1350 and a PF67 fetching as much as $5750. In 2022, David Lawrence RC auctioned a PF68 for an impressive $13, 200.
Cameo Examples: Cameo examples are quite scarce and prices range from a low of $575 for a PF60 to a high of $13,000 for a PF68. In 2022, Heritage Auctions sold a PF68CAM for a remarkable $36,000.
Deep Cameo Examples: Deep or Ultra Cameo specimens are genuinely rare and are mostly a preserve of the advanced collectors. Prices range between $1,250 for a PF63 to at least $8,500 for a PF67.
Rare 1897 Quarter Errors List
Minting errors are inevitable in the coin-making process. Some collectors specialize in these errors, a few of which can be worth a fortune! While there aren’t many minting errors in the 1897 Barber quarters series, those that show up are highly collectible and sought-after.
Here are some that are worth adding to your collection:
1. 1897 Quarter Die Crack Error
Die crack errors are more common among the 1897-P quarters, which can be attributed to late-stage worn dies resulting from the high mintage.
This error occurs when cracks develop on the die’s surface, leaving gaps that are eventually filled with small metal pieces. As the die continues striking, the metal-filled gaps leave an impression on the planchet, resulting in raised lines that look like cracks on the coin’s surface.
The value of a die crack error depends on factors such as the size, appearance, and uniqueness. Larger, eye-catching die cracks are usually more valuable and can add $20-$50 to the regular value of the 1897 quarter.
2. 1897 Quarter Clashed Die Error
A clashed die error happens when the obverse and reverse dies strike against each other without a planchet between them. This causes the dies to transfer their respective designs onto each other.
When a planchet is eventually placed between the dies, the amalgamation of designs is transferred to the planchet. As a result, the obverse side might have a hint of the obverse and reverse designs, and vice versa.
A clashed die error can have a dramatic eye appeal, making it a favorite among collectors. Depending on the intensity, expect a clashed die error to increase the value of your Barber quarter by $20-$100.
Also read: 17 Most Valuable Quarter Errors Worth Money
Where to Sell Your 1897 Quarter?
Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.
Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)
FAQs
How much is an 1897 quarter worth today?
The value of an 1897 Barber quarter varies a lot depending on the coin’s condition, mintmark, and rarity. Prices can range from as low as $15 for a fairly common circulated 1897-P quarter to $35,000 for a rare 1897-S quarter in Mint State.
Where is the mint mark on the 1897 quarter?
The mintmark on the 1897 Barber quarter is on the reverse and is typically positioned between the R and D of “QUARTER DOLLARS.” On a few 1897-S quarters, the mintmark is positioned just above the “D.”
Is an 1897 quarter rare?
Being an early U.S. coin, the 1897 quarter is relatively scarce today. The rarest variety are the 1897-O and 1897-S quarters, which had low mintages. Today, these quarters are scarce to rare and will command premium prices even in lower grades.
The post 1897 Quarter Coin Value (Errors List, “O”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth) appeared first on CoinValueChecker.com.
