Price Guide for 1894 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: $44.00 – $360.00Uncirculated: $3.50 – $7,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.50 – $278.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $551.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $360.00Uncirculated: $385.00 – $9,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $20,562.50
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $475.00Uncirculated: $211.75 – $1,656.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $475.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,762.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $17.00 – $1,145.63Uncirculated: $5.35 – $14,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.25 – $449.95Uncirculated: $348.00 – $5,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $14.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $625.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,645.00Uncirculated: $2.60 – $14,100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $475.00 – $2,277.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $265.00 – $410.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $24,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14,400.00 – $17,400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $575.00 – $46,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $770.01 – $2,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $18,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,553.00 – $5,175.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 – $9,750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1894 Quarter
The 1894 Quarter is part of the Barber Quarter series, which was minted from 1892 to 1916. This design, created by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, replaced the long-running Seated Liberty design. The Barber coinage, including dimes, quarters, and half dollars, was a response to public demand for a change in the nation’s silver coinage.
The year 1894 was notable for being in the midst of an economic depression following the Panic of 1893, which affected coin production and circulation.
| 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 1894 Barber Quarters significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and circulation, finding high-grade examples is challenging. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are scarce and command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value.
3. Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or abrasions increase desirability.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 3,432,972
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,852,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for high-grade examples
Mintage: 2,648,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved coins
Rarity in high grades is a crucial factor for 1894 Barber Quarters. MS65 and above examples are extremely scarce for all mint marks, with the San Francisco and New Orleans issues being particularly rare in such conditions.
Die state and strike characteristics can also affect value. Some collectors seek out examples with particularly sharp strikes or interesting die states.
The historical context of the 1894 economic depression adds interest for some numismatists, potentially increasing demand for well-preserved examples from this year.
