1903 Barber Quarter

1903 Barber quarters are fairly common in general, and they are quite affordable in the lower circulated grades. Quarters from that year are popular in type sets and sometimes low-grade damaged ones show up in bullion portfolios. In all, 1903 quarters are easily obtainable for the numismatist, at least in the lower grades, and should pose little financial hurdle for coin collectors who need one example of each business-strike issue from that year for their series sets.

Here’s a breakdown of the mintages and values of 1903 Barber quarters:

• 1903 – 9,759,309; $13

• 1903-O – 3,500,000; $16

• 1903-S – 1,036,000; $22

• 1903 proof – 755; $850

*Values are for coins in a grade of Good-4, unless otherwise noted.

For about $50, one can buy all three of the business-strike issues in a grade of Good, which is a pretty handsome deal considering that most years of the Barber quarter series saw at least one significantly tough date, many of those costing $50 or more alone.

The 1903 proof Barber quarter, on the other hand, remains a loftier purchase at nearly $1,000 for a basic specimen. However, most coin collectors bypass the proof Barber issues and focus solely on the business strikes.