Numismatic

1894 Barber Quarter VF

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The year 1894 brought a classic silver quarter to the pockets of Americans, featuring a design by Charles Barber that would define United States coinage at the turn of the century. Struck with a silver purity of 0.900 (containing approximately 0.1788 troy ounces of pure silver), this twenty-five cent piece has survived the decades in Very Fine condition, showing the clear, handsome details of its original artistry. On the obverse side, the profile of Lady Liberty faces right, wearing a traditional Phrygian cap adorned with a laurel wreath. The word LIBERTY is visible on her headband, while the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST arches above her head, and the year 1894 is anchored at the bottom. The reverse side displays a bold heraldic eagle with its wings spread wide. A protective shield rests against its chest, and the bird grips an olive branch in one claw and a cluster of arrows in the other, symbolizing peace and readiness. In its beak, the eagle holds a ribbon bearing the words E PLURIBUS UNUM. The surrounding inscription identifies the country as the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA alongside the denomination, QUARTER DOLLAR.