US Barber Quarter Coins

The Barber quarter is a United States coin that was minted from 1892 to 1916. It is named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, who also designed the Barber dime and Barber half dollar. The Barber quarter was part of a series of coins known as the Barber coinage, which included the dime, quarter, and half dollar.

The Barber quarter was introduced as a replacement for the Seated Liberty quarter, which had been in circulation since 1838. The United States Mint decided to change the design of the quarter as part of an effort to modernize the nation's coinage. Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time, was tasked with creating a new design.

The obverse (front) of the Barber quarter features a bust of Liberty facing right. She wears a Phrygian cap, which is a symbol of freedom, and is surrounded by the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR." The date is located below the bust of Liberty.

The reverse (back) of the Barber quarter features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings. The eagle holds an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing peace and strength. Above the eagle are the words "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and surrounding the eagle are the words "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." The denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR" is also displayed.

The Barber quarter underwent several minor design changes during its production. These changes include variations in the positioning of the date, changes in the size and placement of lettering, and modifications to the eagle's feathers. However, the overall design remained largely consistent throughout the series.

Barber quarters were minted at several different U.S. Mint facilities, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O mint mark), San Francisco (S mint mark), and Denver (D mint mark). The mint marks can be found on the reverse, below the eagle.

During its production, the Barber quarter faced some criticism for its lack of artistic appeal. Many collectors and numismatists consider it to be a rather plain and unremarkable design compared to earlier and later quarters. However, the Barber quarter holds historical significance as a representation of the changing coinage during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Barber quarter was replaced by the Standing Liberty quarter in 1916, which featured a more artistic and dynamic design. Nevertheless, the Barber quarter remains a popular choice among collectors due to its historical significance and the challenge of assembling a complete set, including coins from all mint facilities.