Price Guide for 1903 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: $15.00 – $264.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $9,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.50 – $275.00Uncirculated: $240.00 – $575.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $315.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $17.00 – $690.00Uncirculated: $8.40 – $32,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $229.00 – $1,480.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $33,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $37.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $6.50 – $37,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $21.51 – $611.00Uncirculated: $387.00 – $1,537.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $825.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00 – $2,415.00Uncirculated: $2.20 – $19,975.00
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eBayUncirculated: $499.00 – $1,551.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $265.00 – $410.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $456.00 – $19,550.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,099.99 – $1,226.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $42,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,320.00 – $27,025.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $14,000.00 – $42,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1903 Quarter
The 1903 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.
The year 1903 saw continued economic growth in the United States, with the country emerging as a major world power. The coin’s silver content reflected the bimetallism debate that had been prominent in American politics in the preceding years.
| 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 a 1903 Quarter significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are relatively common, but uncirculated specimens, particularly those in grades MS65 and above, are scarce to rare for all mint marks. The San Francisco issue is especially valuable in high grades due to its low mintage.
Collectors pay premium prices for coins with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks. The presence of original mint luster and attractive natural toning can also enhance the coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 9,759,309
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: 3,500,000
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: 1,036,000
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 1903 Quarter’s value. The San Francisco (S) issue commands a significant premium due to its low mintage, while the New Orleans (O) mint coins are generally more valuable than their Philadelphia counterparts.
For all mint marks, eye appeal is a critical factor. Coins with attractive toning, especially those with vibrant rainbow colors, can fetch substantial premiums. Additionally, any proof issues from this year, though not regularly produced, would be extremely rare and valuable if discovered.
Lastly, the historical significance of the Barber design and the coin’s high silver content add to its overall appeal among collectors and investors interested in early 20th-century American coinage.
