1904 25C Barber Quarter CACG PR68 Cameo

Introduction

The 1904 Barber Quarter graded CACG PR68 Cameo is an exceptional high-grade proof from the classic Barber coinage era. Struck specifically for collectors at the Philadelphia Mint, just 670 proof quarters were produced that year. The PR68 grade recognizes outstanding preservation, while the Cameo designation reflects the strong visual contrast between the coin's frosted devices and reflective proof fields.

History

The Barber Quarter was introduced in 1892 as part of a new generation of U.S. silver coinage designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. The quarter shared its Liberty Head motif with the Barber Dime and Half Dollar and remained in production until 1916.

Alongside regular circulation coinage, the Philadelphia Mint produced small numbers of proof Barber Quarters for collectors. Only 670 proof quarters were struck in 1904, compared with more than 9.5 million regular-issue Philadelphia quarters that year. Cameo examples are particularly notable because many surviving 1904 proofs do not display pronounced contrast between the devices and fields.

Design

The obverse features Charles E. Barber's right-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and laurel wreath. A small band above Liberty's forehead is inscribed LIBERTY. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears above the portrait, thirteen stars surround Liberty, and the date 1904 appears below.

The reverse features a heraldic eagle with a shield across its breast, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons. A ribbon bearing E PLURIBUS UNUM appears in the eagle's beak, while thirteen stars fill the field above. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and QUARTER DOLLAR surround the design.