1905 Barber Quarter

The 1905 Barber Quarter is just one of many editions of the quarter produced by the US Mint. These coins were first conceived during the late 1800’s, but were so popular and useful that they were kept in circulation for decades. Nowadays, these coins are making a comeback as collectors make every effort to get their hands on the most well-preserved pieces around.

1905 Barber quarters were minted in smaller quantities than many other years in the Barber series. However, they are not really considered scarce, as many survive today and are in large enough supply for coin collectors.

While collectors are eager to get their hands on the 1905 Barber Quarter, they are only interested if the piece has withstood the test of time well. Being that quarters were used regularly and still are today, it doesn’t take much to realize that many of those that have survived are in pretty rough shape.

Grading the 1905 Barber Quarter

The 1905 Barber Quarter, like all of this type of coin, was produced over a century ago, and has thus been subjected to plenty of damage over the years. When collectors acquire these coins, the first thing they assess is the condition the coin is in. Naturally, those well-preserved pieces are the ones most highly sought after by collectors.

Realizing that not everyone has the time and money to send a coin away for grading, we have provided below a basic outline aimed at more accurately explaining the characteristics of a coin of a particular grade. By using these specifications, you can derive a rough grade for the coins you own or are thinking of owning.

Uncirculated: Uncirculated Barber Quarters are those that, after being produced, spent many years in safekeeping; exempt from damage and wear. Though they were produced well over 100 years ago, these coins take on the appearance of newly produced pieces. As you could have guessed, these are, by far, the most appealing Barber Quarters in the eyes of collectors.

Extremely Fine: A coin deemed to be of Extremely Fine grade is one that spent only a short period of time exchanging hands. These coins will show some wear and tear under extremely close inspection, but are for the most part free of damage. Collectors are also willing to pay top-dollar for coins of this grade.

Fine: A coin receiving of this grade is one that spent a fair amount of time being circulated. Having incurred some noticeable damage, these coins show their age quite aptly. With that said, for their age they are still in fairly good condition. The heaviest and most noticeable wear will undoubtedly be present on the raised aspects of the coins design more so than anywhere else.

Good: This is the grade given to those coins that have been extremely heavily circulated. Through their time exchanging hands, quite a bit of damage and wear has accrued on the faces of the coin. Though in fairly rough shape, even 1905 Barber Quarters in Good condition are considered to be a great addition to any collection.

Pricing the 1905 Barber Quarter

When it comes to figuring out how much one might pay for the 1905 Barber Quarter, there are a few different things that you must consider. First, because there were multiple types of the Quarter produced most years, the rarity associated with the specific type of Quarter will be the first determinant of price. Secondly, you will have to consider the condition the coin is in. If you find a well-preserved piece, you can bet that it will sell for more (sometimes a lot more) than coins in poor condition. Below is a chart to help you gain a better understanding of what you might pay for a Barber Quarter from 1905 given its condition and type.

Barber Quarters

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1905 Barber Quarter	$30	$50	$70	$120
1905 Barber Quarter (O)	$40	$120	$260	$350
1905 Barber Quarter (S)	$30	$75	$105	$225
Source: Red Book