Price Guide for 1898 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: $16.00 – $426.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $22,794.20
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eBayCirculated: $4.95 – $375.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $725.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $315.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $52,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $23.00 – $1,610.00Uncirculated: $4.65 – $58,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.56 – $735.00Uncirculated: $551.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $1,225.00Uncirculated: $1,300.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3,335.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $27,025.00
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eBayCirculated: $286.00Uncirculated: $282.00 – $1,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $330.00 – $410.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $37,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $20.00 – $1,495.00Uncirculated: $6.25 – $20,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.49 – $814.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $1,300.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $431.00 – $30,550.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,040.55 – $2,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $575.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,140.00 – $73,437.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $625.00 – $100,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1898 Quarter
The 1898 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, collectively known as Barber coinage.
The late 1890s saw the United States emerging as a world power, with the Spanish-American War taking place in 1898. This historical context adds significance to coins from this period, as they circulated during a time of national expansion and growing international influence.
| 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 an 1898 Quarter significantly impacts its 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 challenging to find in high grades.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many 1898 Quarters, especially from branch mints, can be weakly struck. Coins with full, sharp details command a premium. Luster is also crucial, with coins retaining original mint luster being highly desirable. Natural toning can add to the appeal and value, particularly if it’s attractive and even.
Mintage: 11,100,000
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: 2,124,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 1,020,592
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 significant role in the value of 1898 Quarters. The San Francisco (S) issue is the scarcest, followed by the New Orleans (O) issue. Philadelphia-minted coins are the most common but can still be valuable in high grades.
Die state can affect value, with early die state examples often showing sharper details. Prooflike surfaces on business strikes, while rare, can significantly increase value. For all 1898 Quarters, originality is highly prized, and coins with original surfaces and no signs of cleaning or enhancement are worth more than those that have been altered.
