The 1901-S Barber Quarter (Buy on eBay) is known as the “King of Barber Coinage” due to its status as the rarest regular issue coin across the Barber Dime, Quarter, and Half Dollar series. Many consider the 1901-S Quarter to be the rarest non-gold United States coin of the entire 20th century.
The issue had a total mintage of 72,664 pieces struck for circulation at the San Francisco Mint. At the time, this represented the lowest mintage for the series, however it would later be undercut by the 1913-S, which had a mintage of 40,000 pieces. Nonetheless, extensive circulation took a heavier toll on the 1901-S, making it the rarer of the two issues with perhaps 1,000 to 2,000 examples surviving across all grades.
The vast majority of surviving examples are in well-worn or damaged condition. Only a strict minority have survived in gem or finer condition. The finest known example is graded an astounding PCGS MS-68+. It is believed that the coin was purchased by a collector directly from the San Francisco Mint in the year of issue, accounting for its remarkable condition. The coin was purchased at auction in March 2010 for $327,750 and then later sold privately for an undisclosed price.
Coin Specifications
| Date | 1901 |
| Mint Mark | S |
| Mint Location | San Francisco |
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Designer | Charles E. Barber |
Coin Mintages
| Mintage | 72,664 |
