Price Guide for 1896 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: $105.00 – $14,100.00Uncirculated: $13.50 – $96,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $138.00 – $5,140.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $14,500.00Uncirculated: $15,750.00 – $160,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.25 – $403.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $18,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.03 – $416.00Uncirculated: $120.00 – $6,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $315.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $23,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $1,763.00Uncirculated: $9.50 – $80,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.51 – $930.00Uncirculated: $1,095.01
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $28,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $2.25 – $22,325.00
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eBayCirculated: $206.00 – $849.00Uncirculated: $410.00 – $2,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $330.00 – $410.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $489.00 – $36,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $575.00 – $42,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,040.00 – $41,125.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,656.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $52,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1896 Quarter
The 1896 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 1896 saw the United States in the midst of the Gilded Age, a period of rapid economic growth and industrialization. This coin circulated during a time of significant social and economic change in America.
| 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 1896 Quarter has a significant impact on its value. Coins in circulated conditions are relatively common and affordable, but values increase dramatically for uncirculated specimens. Mint State examples, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, are highly sought after and command substantial premiums.
For the scarcer San Francisco mint, even lower grade examples can be valuable due to the low mintage. The presence of original luster and absence of major contact marks or wear on high points are crucial factors in determining grade and value.
Mintage: 3,874,762
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: 1,484,000
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: 188,000
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
Toning can significantly affect the value of 1896 Quarters. Coins with attractive, natural toning often command premiums over untoned examples. The strike quality is another important factor, with well-struck coins showing full details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers being more desirable.
For the New Orleans and San Francisco mints, the clarity of the mint mark can impact value, as weak strikes sometimes resulted in poorly defined mint marks. Die state varieties, while not major factors for this year, can add interest for specialized collectors. The overall eye appeal of the coin, combining factors like strike, luster, and toning, plays a crucial role in determining its market value among discerning collectors.
