1905 Barber Quarter

1905 Barber quarters were minted in smaller quantities than many other years in the Barber series, but are not really considered scarce, as many survive to this day and are in large enough supply for coin collectors. The 1905 Barber quarter is commonly included in type coin sets, as Barber quarters of that vintage are easy to locate and are quite affordable in the lower grades.

Here’s a rundown of the mintages and values of 1905 Barber quarters:

• 1905 – 4,967,523; $13

• 1905-O – 1,230,000; $25

• 1905-S – 1,884,000; $21

• 1905 proof – 727; $850

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

The 1905-O and 1905-S are both tough dates and are rather difficult to find in higher grades; even in Good they cost $20 to $30 each. The 1905 issue from Philadelphia, meanwhile, is decidedly the common issue from that year, but was not struck in nearly the large numbers as many other Philadelphia Barber quarters.

1905 proof Barber quarters are difficult to locate and pricey, too. However, they aren’t required to complete a business-strike set of for the series, which was first struck in 1892 and designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber.