Price Guide for 1905 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.

1905-O Quarter (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $3.50 – $1,175.00
    Uncirculated: $12.00 – $27,600.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $8.50 – $761.09
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $35.00 – $750.00
    Uncirculated: $850.00 – $31,500.00
1905 Quarter (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $14.00 – $288.00
    Uncirculated: $3.50 – $7,200.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $2.55 – $330.00
    Uncirculated: $175.00 – $1,237.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $20.00 – $350.00
    Uncirculated: $375.00 – $125,000.00
1905-S Quarter (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $13.00 – $763.75
    Uncirculated: $6.25 – $11,000.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $11.50 – $853.51
    Uncirculated: $250.00 – $4,505.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $20.00 – $600.00
    Uncirculated: $650.00 – $13,500.00
1905 Quarter (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $2.20 – $16,100.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $315.00 – $4,200.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $200.00 – $410.00
    Uncirculated: $500.00 – $25,000.00
1905 Quarter, CAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $949.00 – $26,400.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $575.00 – $36,500.00

Design and Specifications of the 1905 Quarter

The 1905 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, was a response to public demand for a change in coinage design. The Barber Quarter replaced the long-running Seated Liberty design and represented a more modern aesthetic for American coinage at the turn of the 20th century.

Weight 6.25 grams
Diameter 24.3 mm
Mint Marks O, S
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 1905 Quarter significantly impacts its value. Coins in circulated conditions are relatively common and affordable, but prices increase dramatically for uncirculated specimens. Coins graded MS63 and above command substantial premiums, with MS65 and higher grades being extremely rare and valuable.

The quality of the strike is particularly important for Barber Quarters, as many were weakly struck. Coins with full, sharp details, especially on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers, are highly desirable. Original luster is also a key factor, with coins retaining their mint luster being more valuable than those with dull or cleaned surfaces.

Philadelphia (no mint mark)

Mintage: 4,968,250

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

New Orleans (O)

Mintage: 1,230,000

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

San Francisco (S)

Mintage: 1,884,000

Rarity Scale: Uncommon

Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens

Toning can significantly affect the value of 1905 Quarters. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns are often more desirable to collectors than those with no toning or unattractive toning. The New Orleans (O) and San Francisco (S) mint marks generally command higher premiums due to their lower mintages and often poorer striking quality, making well-struck examples particularly valuable.

While not typically considered a key date, the 1905 Quarter becomes increasingly scarce in higher grades, especially for the branch mint issues. Collectors focusing on registry sets or seeking the finest known examples may pay significant premiums for top-graded coins, particularly those with CAC approval, which verifies the quality and eye appeal of the coin.

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