The Barber quarter, named after its designer Charles E. Barber, was a United States coin minted from 1892 to 1916. Here's a closer look at these quarters:

Design:

• Obverse (front): Featured a facing bust of Liberty with a wreath on her head. The design was criticized for lacking the artistic appeal of previous quarters.
• Reverse (back): Displayed a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest.

Minting History:

• Minted from 1892 to 1916, replacing the Seated Liberty quarter (1838-1891).
• Produced at various U.S. mints, with mint marks indicating location (e.g., "S" for San Francisco, "O" for New Orleans).
• Mintage quantities varied depending on the year and mint location.

Shorter Mintage Compared to Predecessors:

• The Barber quarter's minting period was shorter than its predecessor, the Seated Liberty quarter (which was minted for 53 years).

Reason for Replacement (1916):

• The Barber quarter was replaced by the Standing Liberty quarter (1916-1930) due to design criticisms and a desire for a more modern depiction of Liberty.

Popularity Among Collectors:

• Despite design critiques, Barber quarters are popular among collectors today due to their historical significance and variations in mint locations and year of issue. Certain rare dates and mintmarks can be especially valuable.

Condition and Value:

• A Barber quarter's value depends on its condition (grade), mint location (if marked), and year of issue. Common circulated examples can be found for a few dollars, while uncirculated specimens or rare varieties can bring hundreds or even thousands of dollars.