Price Guide for 1897 Quarter Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00 – $2,750.00Uncirculated: $7.75 – $47,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $18.66 – $2,050.00Uncirculated: $1,086.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $264.00Uncirculated: $4.25 – $16,450.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.02 – $227.51Uncirculated: $190.00 – $1,129.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $315.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $16,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $25.00 – $1,880.00Uncirculated: $5.50 – $20,562.50
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eBayCirculated: $8.61 – $1,131.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,275.00Uncirculated: $1,350.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $1,725.00Uncirculated: $2.25 – $13,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $357.19Uncirculated: $344.00 – $1,301.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $330.00 – $410.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $431.00 – $36,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $549.00 – $2,777.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $575.00 – $42,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,116.00 – $21,737.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $32,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1897 Quarter
The 1897 Quarter is part of the Barber Quarter series, which was minted from 1892 to 1916. This coin design, created by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, replaced the long-running Seated Liberty design. The Barber Quarter was part of a broader redesign effort that included dimes and half dollars, aiming to modernize American coinage in the late 19th century.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, S (No mint mark for Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (Barber), designed by Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic Eagle, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1897 Quarters significantly impacts their value. Circulated examples are relatively common, but uncirculated specimens, especially those in grades MS65 and above, are scarce to rare for all mint marks. The New Orleans and San Francisco issues are particularly valuable in high grades due to their lower mintages and typically poorer strike quality.
Factors such as original mint luster, strike quality, and absence of contact marks greatly influence the coin’s desirability and value. Coins with attractive, original toning can command premiums among collectors.
Mintage: 8,140,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,414,800
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 542,229
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens
Mint mark rarity plays a crucial role in the value of 1897 Quarters. The San Francisco issue, with its low mintage, is the most valuable in all grades. The New Orleans mint coins are also more desirable than their Philadelphia counterparts.
Strike quality is particularly important for Barber Quarters. Well-struck examples with full details, especially on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers, are highly sought after. Additionally, coins with minimal bag marks and scratches command higher premiums, as do examples with original, attractive toning.
