A silver U.S. Barber quarter from 1898, minted at the New Orleans mint ("O" mintmark). This coin is professionally graded and certified by NGC to be in VF-35 (Very Fine) condition, with moderate wear and a dark, original patina. This listing is for the exact coin pictured.
The Barber quarter derives its name from the coin's designer, U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber. In the late 19th century, growing public dissatisfaction with the Seated Liberty design used on most denominations (in place for over half a century) influenced the Mint to solicit new designs for its coins. A public competition delivered horribly unartistic results, so the task of designing fell to Chief Engraver Barber.
Barber's design featuring a bust of Lady Liberty (inspired by a French coin design) was used on the dime, quarter, and half dollar denominations for about two decades. The Barber quarter was produced from 1892 until it was replaced by the Standing Liberty design in 1916.
If you have any questions about the coin (or about coin collecting in general), please send me a message and I'll be happy to respond.
