1896-S Barber Quarter PCGS VF25 CAC
2025/12/17
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2025/12/16
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2025/12/11
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2025/12/09
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2025/12/07
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Introduction
The 1896-S Barber Quarter is one of the most sought-after key dates in the entire Barber coinage series. Graded VF25 by PCGS and verified by CAC for superior quality within its grade, this example exhibits pleasing detail and even, original patina. Collectors prize this issue for its rarity, eye appeal, and role as one of the legendary “Big Three” Barber Quarter keys.
History
The Barber Quarter series, designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, debuted in 1892 and ran through 1916. Named after its designer, the series was struck at multiple mints across the country. Among these, the 1896-S issue from the San Francisco Mint quickly became one of the rarest and most desirable due to its extremely low mintage and limited survival rate.
With just 188,039 pieces struck, most 1896-S quarters entered heavy circulation and few survived in collectible condition. Today, mid-grade certified examples like this PCGS VF25 CAC represent an exceptional opportunity for serious collectors seeking one of the premier keys of 19th-century American coinage.
Design
The obverse displays Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and laurel wreath, facing right with the inscription IN GOD WE TRUST above and thirteen stars encircling the portrait. The date appears below, completing Barber’s balanced and dignified layout.
The reverse features a heraldic eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and QUARTER DOLLAR encircling the design. A bold shield covers the eagle’s chest, symbolizing national strength and unity.
This PCGS VF25 CAC example shows strong central detail and original surfaces, with the kind of honest wear and natural toning that appeal to collectors who appreciate originality and historical integrity.
| Mint | San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Metal | Silver |
| Year | 1896 |
| Diameter | 24.3mm |
| Fineness | .900 |
| Weight | 0.2009 |
A LITTLE STICKER MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE.
Within each number of the coin grading scale is a small range of condition from low-end to high-end. Certified coins of the same grade can be of varying quality. Many of today’s collectors want coins that are solid or premium quality for their assigned grade. CAC holds coins to a higher standard so you can be confident in the value of yours. We verify previously graded coins … and award our sticker only to those coins that meet the standard for today’s selective buyer.
WHAT THE CAC STICKER MEANS:
- Verified. Your coin has been verified as meeting the standard for strict quality within its grade.
- Guaranteed. CAC stands behind our verification.
THE CAC STICKER IS BACKED BY EXPERIENCE.
CAC was founded by leading members of the numismatic community, including John Albanese, a respected authority on coin grading and the rare coin market.
