Numismatic

1896-O Barber Quarter VG

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In 1896, the United States branch mint in New Orleans struck a limited run of silver quarters, producing just 1,484,000 of these pieces. Today, surviving examples from this southern mint are highly appreciated by those who study the turn-of-the-century coinage of America. This particular coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.1788 troy ounces of the precious metal, and displays the honest wear of a Very Good grade. The obverse presents a classical profile of Liberty, who wears a laurel wreath atop a Phrygian cap. Arching above her head is the familiar national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, while the year 1896 is anchored at the bottom. On the reverse, a heraldic eagle spreads its wings wide, protecting a shield positioned on its chest. The bird holds a banner aloft in its beak, while its talons grasp both an olive branch of peace and a bundle of arrows representing strength. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and QUARTER DOLLAR frame this classic design, which also bears the distinctive O mint mark of the historic New Orleans facility.