Numismatic

1897-O Barber Quarter VG

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Struck at the historic New Orleans Mint, this 1897 silver quarter dollar offers a fascinating glimpse into late nineteenth-century American coinage. The piece contains 0.17875 troy ounces of silver, minted with a purity of 90 percent. Surviving in Very Good condition, it carries the distinct character of a coin that circulated during a transformative era in the nation's history. Designed by Charles Barber, the obverse of the coin displays the profile of Lady Liberty. She is depicted wearing a traditional Phrygian cap adorned with a laurel wreath, with the word LIBERTY clearly visible on her headband. Surrounding her portrait are the familiar words IN GOD WE TRUST and the 1897 year of manufacture. The reverse features a detailed heraldic eagle with its wings fully spread. A protective shield is positioned across the eagle's chest, while its beak firmly grasps a banner. In its talons, the eagle grips both a peaceful olive branch and a bundle of arrows, representing a balance of peace and readiness. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and QUARTER DOLLAR frame this classic design, with the O mint mark indicating its origin in New Orleans.