What is an 1889 quarter? The 1889 quarter, officially known as the Barber quarter, is a 25-cent piece struck by the United States Mint from 1892 to 1916. It was designed by Charles E. Barber, the Mint's chief engraver from 1879 to 1917. The Barber quarter was the first U.S. coin to feature a Liberty head on the obverse and an eagle perched on a rock on the reverse.
The 1889 quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. It weighs 6.25 grams and has a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. The coin's edge is reeded.
The Barber quarter was a popular coin during its time. It was used in everyday commerce and was also collected by numismatists. Today, the 1889 quarter is a valuable collectible. Uncirculated specimens can sell for hundreds of dollars, while circulated coins can sell for tens of dollars.
Importance of the 1889 quarter
The 1889 quarter is an important coin for several reasons. First, it is the first U.S. coin to feature a Liberty head on the obverse. This design was a departure from the previous Liberty Seated design, which had been used on quarters since 1838. The Liberty head design on the 1889 quarter is considered to be one of the most beautiful and iconic coin designs in U.S. history.Second, the 1889 quarter is the first U.S. coin to be struck with a reeded edge. This design feature helps to protect the coin from wear and tear. The reeded edge also makes the coin easier to grip.
Third, the 1889 quarter is a popular coin among collectors. This is due to its beautiful design, its historical significance, and its relative scarcity. Uncirculated specimens of the 1889 quarter can sell for hundreds of dollars, while circulated coins can sell for tens of dollars.
1889 quarter
The 1889 quarter, also known as the Barber quarter, is a 25-cent piece struck by the United States Mint from 1892 to 1916. It was designed by Charles E. Barber, the Mint's chief engraver from 1879 to 1917. The Barber quarter was the first U.S. coin to feature a Liberty head on the obverse and an eagle perched on a rock on the reverse.
- Obverse: Liberty head
- Reverse: Eagle perched on a rock
- Designer: Charles E. Barber
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 6.25 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 millimeters
- Edge: Reeded
- Mintage: 52,264,932
The 1889 quarter is a popular coin among collectors. This is due to its beautiful design, its historical significance, and its relative scarcity. Uncirculated specimens of the 1889 quarter can sell for hundreds of dollars, while circulated coins can sell for tens of dollars.
The 1889 quarter is also a significant coin in the history of U.S. coinage. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a Liberty head on the obverse. This design was a departure from the previous Liberty Seated design, which had been used on quarters since 1838. The Liberty head design on the 1889 quarter is considered to be one of the most beautiful and iconic coin designs in U.S. history.
The 1889 quarter is also the first U.S. coin to be struck with a reeded edge. This design feature helps to protect the coin from wear and tear. The reeded edge also makes the coin easier to grip.
1. Obverse
The obverse of the 1889 quarter features a Liberty head. This was a new design for U.S. quarters, as the previous design had featured a Liberty Seated design. The Liberty head design on the 1889 quarter was created by Charles E. Barber, the Mint's chief engraver from 1879 to 1917.
The Liberty head design on the 1889 quarter is considered to be one of the most beautiful and iconic coin designs in U.S. history. The design features a young Liberty facing left, with her hair flowing behind her. She is wearing a Phrygian cap, which is a symbol of freedom. The Liberty head design on the 1889 quarter is similar to the design on the dime and the half dollar, which were also designed by Barber.
The Liberty head design on the 1889 quarter was used for 25 years, until it was replaced by the Standing Liberty quarter in 1916. The Liberty head design is still considered to be one of the most popular and recognizable coin designs in U.S. history.
2. Reverse
The reverse of the 1889 quarter features an eagle perched on a rock. This design was a departure from the previous quarter design, which had featured a shield with an eagle perched on top. The eagle on the 1889 quarter is facing left and is holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in its left talon. The eagle is perched on a rock that is surrounded by water.
- Symbolism of the eagle
The eagle is a symbol of strength, power, and freedom. It is also a symbol of the United States of America. The eagle on the 1889 quarter is facing left, which is the traditional direction for eagles on U.S. coins. The eagle is holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in its left talon. The olive branch is a symbol of peace, while the arrows are a symbol of war. This symbolism reflects the United States' desire for peace, but also its willingness to defend itself if necessary.
- Symbolism of the rock
The rock on which the eagle is perched is a symbol of stability and strength. It also represents the foundation of the United States of America. The rock is surrounded by water, which represents the vastness and power of the United States.
- Overall meaning of the reverse design
The overall meaning of the reverse design of the 1889 quarter is that the United States of America is a strong and powerful nation that is committed to peace, but is also willing to defend itself if necessary.
The reverse design of the 1889 quarter is a beautiful and iconic design that is still used on the quarter today. It is a reminder of the strength, power, and freedom of the United States of America.
3. Designer
Charles E. Barber was a prominent American engraver who served as the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1879 to 1917. He was responsible for designing many of the most iconic and enduring coin designs in U.S. history, including the 1889 quarter.
Barber's design for the 1889 quarter was a departure from the previous Liberty Seated design, which had been used on quarters since 1838. Barber's design featured a Liberty head on the obverse and an eagle perched on a rock on the reverse. This design was more modern and patriotic than the previous design, and it quickly became one of the most popular coin designs in U.S. history.
The 1889 quarter is still in circulation today, and it is one of the most recognizable coins in the world. Barber's design is a testament to his skill as an engraver and his understanding of what makes a good coin design.
The connection between Charles E. Barber and the 1889 quarter is significant because Barber's design is one of the most important and enduring elements of the coin. His design has helped to make the 1889 quarter one of the most popular and recognizable coins in U.S. history.
4. Composition
The composition of the 1889 quarter is 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition was used for all quarters minted from 1873 to 1964. The silver gives the coin its distinctive white color, while the copper helps to strengthen the coin and make it more durable.
- Silver content
The silver content of the 1889 quarter is 90%. This means that each coin contains 0.18 troy ounces of silver. The silver content of the 1889 quarter is higher than the silver content of modern quarters, which are only composed of 25% silver.
- Copper content
The copper content of the 1889 quarter is 10%. This means that each coin contains 0.02 troy ounces of copper. The copper content of the 1889 quarter is lower than the copper content of modern quarters, which are composed of 75% copper.
- Durability
The composition of the 1889 quarter makes it a very durable coin. The silver content of the coin helps to resist wear and tear, while the copper content of the coin helps to strengthen the coin and make it less likely to bend or break.
- Value
The composition of the 1889 quarter also contributes to its value. Silver is a precious metal, so the silver content of the 1889 quarter gives it a higher intrinsic value than modern quarters, which are composed of less valuable metals.
The composition of the 1889 quarter is an important factor that contributes to its durability, value, and overall desirability. The 90% silver composition of the 1889 quarter makes it a valuable and collectible coin.
5. Weight
The weight of the 1889 quarter is 6.25 grams. This is because the 1889 quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The weight of the coin is important because it helps to determine its value. The heavier the coin, the more silver it contains, and the more valuable it is.
The weight of the 1889 quarter is also important because it affects the coin's durability. A heavier coin is less likely to bend or break than a lighter coin. This is because the heavier coin has more mass, which gives it more inertia. Inertia is the resistance of an object to change its motion. A heavier coin has more inertia, which means that it is more difficult to move or stop. This makes the 1889 quarter a very durable coin.
The weight of the 1889 quarter is also important because it affects the coin's sound. A heavier coin will make a louder sound when it is dropped or struck. This is because the heavier coin has more mass, which means that it has more energy. When the coin is dropped or struck, the energy is transferred to the surface that it hits. This causes the surface to vibrate, which produces sound.
The weight of the 1889 quarter is an important factor that contributes to its value, durability, and sound. The 6.25 gram weight of the 1889 quarter is a key part of what makes it a unique and desirable coin.6. Diameter
The diameter of the 1889 quarter is 24.3 millimeters. This is the same diameter as all other quarters minted since 1873. The diameter of the quarter is important because it affects the coin's weight, thickness, and overall appearance.
- Weight
The diameter of the quarter affects its weight. A larger diameter coin will weigh more than a smaller diameter coin, all other things being equal. This is because a larger diameter coin has more surface area, and therefore more mass.
- Thickness
The diameter of the quarter also affects its thickness. A larger diameter coin will be thinner than a smaller diameter coin, all other things being equal. This is because a larger diameter coin has more surface area, and therefore less thickness.
- Appearance
The diameter of the quarter affects its overall appearance. A larger diameter coin will appear larger than a smaller diameter coin. This is because a larger diameter coin has more surface area, and therefore more visual impact.
The diameter of the 1889 quarter is an important factor that contributes to its overall appearance and value. The 24.3 millimeter diameter of the 1889 quarter is a key part of what makes it a unique and desirable coin.
7. Edge
The edge of the 1889 quarter is reeded, meaning that it has a series of evenly spaced vertical grooves. This design feature was introduced on the quarter in 1892, and it has been used on all quarters minted since then.
- Protection from wear and tear
The reeded edge helps to protect the coin from wear and tear. When the coin is dropped or struck, the reeded edge absorbs some of the impact, which helps to prevent the coin from becoming damaged.
- Easier to grip
The reeded edge also makes the coin easier to grip. This is especially important for coins that are used in vending machines or other automated devices.
- Distinctive appearance
The reeded edge gives the coin a distinctive appearance. This helps to make the coin more easily identifiable, which is important for vending machines and other automated devices.
- Counterfeiting
The reeded edge also makes the coin more difficult to counterfeit. This is because the reeding is a difficult design feature to replicate.
The reeded edge is an important design feature of the 1889 quarter. It helps to protect the coin from wear and tear, makes it easier to grip, gives it a distinctive appearance, and makes it more difficult to counterfeit.
8. Mintage
The mintage of a coin refers to the number of coins that were produced in a particular year. The mintage of the 1889 quarter is 52,264,932. This means that 52,264,932 quarters were produced in 1889.
The mintage of a coin is an important factor in determining its value. The lower the mintage, the more valuable the coin is. This is because a lower mintage means that there are fewer coins available to collectors and investors.
The mintage of the 1889 quarter is relatively high, which means that it is not a particularly valuable coin. However, the 1889 quarter is still a popular coin among collectors because of its beautiful design and its historical significance.
The mintage of the 1889 quarter is also important because it provides insight into the economic conditions of the United States in 1889. The high mintage of the 1889 quarter suggests that the economy was strong in 1889 and that there was a high demand for coins.
FAQs about the 1889 Quarter
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the 1889 quarter, a popular and historically significant coin.
Question 1: What is the composition of the 1889 quarter?
Answer: The 1889 quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Question 2: What is the weight of the 1889 quarter?
Answer: The 1889 quarter weighs 6.25 grams.
Question 3: What is the diameter of the 1889 quarter?
Answer: The 1889 quarter has a diameter of 24.3 millimeters.
Question 4: What is the edge of the 1889 quarter like?
Answer: The edge of the 1889 quarter is reeded, meaning that it has a series of evenly spaced vertical grooves.
Question 5: How many 1889 quarters were minted?
Answer: The mintage of the 1889 quarter is 52,264,932.
Summary: The 1889 quarter is a popular and historically significant coin. It is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighs 6.25 grams, has a diameter of 24.3 millimeters, has a reeded edge, and has a mintage of 52,264,932.
These FAQs provide essential information about the 1889 quarter, helping collectors and enthusiasts better understand and appreciate this valuable piece of American coinage.
Conclusion
The 1889 quarter stands as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of American coin design. Its beautiful Liberty head obverse and majestic eagle reverse, designed by Charles E. Barber, have made it a timeless classic among collectors and enthusiasts. The coin's composition of 90% silver and its reeded edge not only ensure its durability but also add to its intrinsic value.
While its mintage of over 52 million coins may not make it particularly rare, the 1889 quarter remains a significant piece of American history. It circulated during a period of economic growth and westward expansion, serving as a symbol of the nation's prosperity and strength. Today, it continues to captivate collectors, serving as a tangible link to the past and a reminder of the enduring legacy of American coinage.
