1900 Quarter Coin Value (Errors List, “O”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

If you are building a Barber Quarters collection, the 1900 quarter, a coin minted at the turn of the century, might pique your interest. Whether selling or buying, this guide will explain everything you need to know about the 1900 quarter value to make a smart decision. We’ll walk you through the coin’s origins, unique features, and tips for authenticating and grading it. You’ll also learn about interesting minting errors worth good money.  

So, just how much is the 1900 quarter? Let’s get started!

1900 Quarter Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1900-No Mint Mark Quarter Value	$20	$45	$115	$15,000
1900-O Quarter Value	$45	$110	$300	$16,000
1900-S Quarter Value	$25	$60	$175	$11,000
1900- Proof Quarter Value	–	–	–	$12,750

 

 

History of the 1900 Quarter

The 1900 quarter is part of the Barber coin series minted by the United States Mint from 1892 to 1916. For much of the latter part of the 19^th century, most silver coins in the U.S. featured the Seated Liberty design, but it was unpopular and received widespread criticism for its English influence.

The Mint sought to change the design under the Coinage Act of 1873, but yet another bill had to be secured to allow the introduction of a new coin design. So, in 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed a law that would allow all U.S. coins to be eligible for redesign 25 years after they were first struck.

In 1890, a new Mint Director, Edward Leech, took office and pioneered the introduction of a new coin design that would replace the Seated Liberty. Leech organized a competition, inviting elite artists to submit proposals for the new design, but only the winner would receive a $500 cash reward. Most of the invited artists, taking issue with the Mint only rewarding the winner, chose not to participate in the competition.

Faced with a failed competition, Leech turned to the Mint’s Chief Engraver, Charles Barber, to design the new coins. For much of the design process, the two men did not see eye-to-eye as they had differing views on what the final design should look like. Eventually, after a lengthy back-and-forth, Leech agreed to Barber’s design, after which President Harrison gave his sign of approval in November 1891 and paved the way for production in January 1892.

The 1900 quarter has a high mintage of over 10 million, making examples common in all grades. This year saw the introduction of new master die hubs for the obverse and reverse of the Barber quarter, but the Mint also continued using the old die marriages. The old obverse die of 1892-1900, also known as Obverse 1, shows the laurel leaves with blunt tips while Liberty’s ear appears shallower. The Obverse die 2 was the new hub introduced from 1900 to 1916 and features laurel leaves with sharper points and more detail in Liberty’s rear.

Both the old and new hubs were used for the reverse design as well. For Reverse 2 die, used from mid-1892 to 1900, the eagle’s wing feathers only touch the letter E in the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Meanwhile, for the Reverse 3 die used from 1900 to 1916, the wings stretch past these letters. The first reverse die hub was used in early 1892 before the second reverse die replaced it.

Despite its high mintage, the 1900 quarter is a worthy addition to any collection for its historical and sentimental value.

Also read: Top 13 Most Valuable State Quarters Worth Money

 

Features of the 1900 Quarter

Next, we’ll look at the physical attributes of the 1900 quarter. Knowing these features is the first step to accurately authenticating and grading your silver coin. You’ll also be able to spot Barber quarters worth good money.

Here’s what to look for:

Obverse of the 1900 Quarter

The “heads” features Liberty’s right-facing profile in which she wears a Phrygian cap decorated with a laurel, with the word LIBERTY at the front.

The national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, is inscribed at the top along the rim, while the date, 1900, is shown on the opposite side at the bottom.

Thirteen stars representing the original states that first joined the Union encircle Liberty’s portrait. Six of these stars are on the left and seven are on the right side along the rim.

Reverse of the 1900 Quarter

The “tails” shows a heraldic eagle clutching a flag, in its beak, inscribed with the Latin phrase, E PLURIBUS UNUM, meaning “Out of Many, One.” A shield on the eagle’s breast symbolizes sovereignty and self-defense.

In its left talon, the eagle holds arrows, which represent victory and non-aggression, while the olive branch in the left talon is symbolic of peace.

A constellation of thirteen stars is shown above the eagle, symbolic of the thirteen original states. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is inscribed on the upper half of the coin along the rim, while the denomination, QUARTER DOLLAR, is shown on the bottom half of the coin.

Similar to the obverse, tiny, numerous denticles decorate the rim.

Other Features of the 1900 Quarter

Additional features worth noting include:

• Diameter: 24.30 millimeters
• Weight: 6.30 grams
• Edge: Reeded
• Metal Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
• ASW:0.1808oz
• Fineness: 0.9

Also read: Top 16 Most Valuable Modern Quarters Worth Money

 

1900 Quarter Value Guides

So, how much is the 1900 Barber quarter worth? The value depends on several factors, including mintage, mintmark, condition, and rarity. Other factors, such as minting errors and die varieties, will also influence your coin’s value.

We’ll look at the four types of 1900 quarters and how much each is worth. The four are:

• 1900 No Mint mark Quarter
• 1900-O Quarter
• 1900-S Quarter
• 1900 Proof Quarter

Let’s find out how much each is worth.

1900 No-Mint mark Quarter Value

The Philadelphia Mint struck about 10,016,000 Barber quarters in 1900, by far the highest mintage that year, making this coin common in all grades.

Here’s a breakdown of the values:

• Circulated Examples: Although common across all grades, most are heavily worn and are less valuable in lower grades, but values do start increasing at the Extremely Fine (XF) grade. In Good (G) examples can sell for about $20, up to $45 in Fine (F), and as much as $115 in Extremely Fine (XF). About Uncirculated (AU58) quarters are desirable, selling for as much as $300.
• Mint State Examples: These are scarce but accessible in lower grades, although the population dwindles in higher grades or Gem condition. In MS60, examples can fetch as much as $340, up to $575 in MS63, and $850 in MS64. The population of Gems is higher than usual for this issue, but they are still considered rare. In MS65, prices can go as high as $1,600 and up to $3,250 in MS66, while rare specimens graded MS67 can command up to $15,00.
• Auction Record: In 2020, Legend Rare Coin Auctions sold an MS67+ for an impressive $19,975, making this one of the most valuable 1900-P quarters.

1900-O Quarter Value

Next, we’ll look at the quarters minted in New Orleans in 1900. This issue had a mintage of 3,416,000, the second-highest that year. The 1900-O quarter is known to be poorly struck, making these coins rare in grade Fine (F) and higher. Mint State examples are equally rare, and Gems are exceptionally hard to come across, all because of this issue’s poor strike quality.

Here’s what to expect for the value of 1900-O quarters:

• Circulated Examples: These are common up to grade Fine (F), after which the population of gradable examples declines. Good (G) examples can sell for about $45, but the prices shoot up significantly to $110 in Fine (F). Extremely Fine (XF) examples are rare, selling for up to $300, while in About Uncirculated (AU) prices double to about $725.
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated specimens are rare and most are equally poorly struck. Gradable examples in MS60 are worth up to $770 and as much as $1,000 in MS62. Gems in MS65 and higher are genuinely rare, commanding premium prices. For example, in MS65, examples will sell for at least $4,000, up to $8,000 in MS66, and as much as $16,000 in MS67.
• Auction Record: In 2015, Heritage Auctions sold an MS68 for a record-breaking $17,626.

1900-S Quarter Value

The San Francisco Mint produced about 1,858,585 Barber quarters in 1900, the lowest mintage that year. Many of the 1900-S quarters were shipped to the Philippines during the Spanish-American War and hoarded by the Filipinos. It was only in the 1950s-60s that the coins were repatriated back to the U.S., making the 1900-S quarter common in grade Extremely Fine (XF).

Here’s what to expect when collecting 1900-S quarters:

• Circulated Examples: These are common up to Extremely Fine (XF), although most survivors show signs of cleaning. Good (G) examples can sell for up to $25, while Fine (F) ones can fetch up to $60. In Extremely Fine (XF), prices jump to at least $175, while About Uncirculated (AU58) pieces, which are scarce to rare, can sell for up to $650.
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples are scarce and will command premium prices, while gems are almost unknown. In MS60, pieces will sell for up to $750 and more than double in MS63, where prices can go as high as $1,700 and up to $3,250 in MS64. Gems graded MS65 and higher are hard to come by, and prices can be slightly prohibitive. In MS65, pieces will command up to $5,500 while those in MS67 can sell for as much as $11,000.
• Auction Record: In 2015, Heritage Auctions sold an MS67 for a record-breaking $11,750.

1900 Proof Quarter Value

The Philadelphia Mint struck about 912 proof quarters in 1900, and that year’s sales were unusually high.

Here’s a breakdown of the values:

• Proofs: These are plentiful, well-struck, and generally well-preserved. In PF60, proofs can sell for up to $415, and the prices double to $880 in PF63. In PF65 pieces can sell for as much as $2,175 while those graded PF68 can sell for up to $16,500.
• Cameos: Cameo pieces are scarce, with only a few known certified survivors, while Ultra Cameo examples are exceedingly rare. In PF63, proofs can command up to $1,000, while those in PF66 will fetch at least $3,900, and a PF68 up to $18,300.

 

1900 Quarter Grading

Grading a 1900 quarter involves examining the extent of wear, strike quality, and surface preservation. Assess the wear around Liberty’s ear, hairline, laurel wreath, and the inscription LIBERTY on her headband. On the reverse, examine the eagle’s wing feathers, shield, talons, olive branch, and arrows. Extensive wear points to a lower grade, while higher grade coins will show clear details and bolder outlines.

 Strike quality can affect the value, too. Examine the strike on Liberty’s ear and the laurel leaves, and on the eagle’s talons and tail feather—lower grade coins generally have a weaker strike than high grade quarters.

Lastly, assess the surface quality. Higher grade coins will have few, if any, damages on the surface, while lower grade ones will show dings, scratches, and even signs of corrosion.

Check out this video for more tips on grading your Barber quarters.

 

Rare 1900 Quarter Errors List

A few minting errors can be found in the 1900 Barber quarter series. Here are some worth adding to your collection:

1. 1900 Quarter Re-punched Mintmark Error

A re-punched mintmark error occurs when the mintmark is punched into the die more than once at slightly different angles. This results in overlapping impressions of the mintmark. The stronger or more visible the overlap, the more valuable the coin tends to be. For example, in 2018, an eBay collector paid $350 for a 1900-S quarter graded About Uncirculated (AU53) with a re-punched mintmark error.

2. 1900 Quarter Doubled Die Error

A doubled die error happens when the die strikes the planchet more than twice at slightly different positions, resulting in visible doubling on the inscriptions and/or design elements. For example, some 1900 quarters may show some doubling on Liberty’s profile and the inscriptions on the obverse and reverse. This error can add $50-$100 to the regular value of a 1900 quarter. For example, a collector on eBay paid $750 for a 1900-O quarter with an obverse doubled die error.

Also read: 17 Most Valuable Quarter Errors Worth Money

 

Where to Sell Your 1900 Quarter?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

FAQs

Are any 1900 quarters worth anything?

Yes. 1900 quarters in Mint State and certified gem condition can be worth premium prices. These specimens are scarce to rare but still collectible, increasing their demand among collectors of early coins. If you are lucky to come across a 1900 quarter with mint luster, brilliant surface, and little to no damage, it could be worth a fortune.

What does a 1900 quarter look like?

Like most early silver coins, the 1900 quarter is a target for forgery. To authenticate your coin, compare its features, i.e., diameter (24.30 millimeters), weight (6.30 grams), and edge(reeded) against images of authentic 1900 Barber quarters from reputable bodies such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC).  You can also perform the magnet test to check for silver content—real silver doesn’t stick to a magnet. To be completely sure, you can ask any of the professional coin grading companies to help you authenticate your silver Barber quarter.

How many 1900 quarters are there?

In 1900, the Mint struck slightly over 10 million quarters, but over the years, many have been damaged, lost, or held in collections. As such, it’s difficult to know the exact number of 1900 quarter survivors existing today. What is certain is that worn examples are easier to find than Mint State and Gem examples, which are still collectible but genuinely rare.