1907-S Barber Quarter Dollar Value and Price Guide
The 1907-S Barber Quarter is worth anywhere from $65 in worn, Good condition to over $5,000 for high-grade Mint State specimens. This specific coin is a highly sought-after key date collector item because of its very low mintage at the San Francisco mint, making it much more valuable than your average vintage quarter.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|———–|—————–|
| Good (G-4) | $65 – $80 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $120 – $150 |
| Fine (F-12) | $200 – $260 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $350 – $450 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-45) | $650 – $850 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $950 – $1,200 |
| Mint State (MS-63+) | $2,800 – $15,000+ |
Why the 1907-S Barber Quarter is a Rare Treasure
If you have stumbled upon a silver quarter dated 1907 with a small “S” on the back, you might be holding a small fortune. Unlike the common Philadelphia quarters of the era, the San Francisco mint produced a very limited number of these coins.
In the world of coin collecting, rarity is usually driven by “mintage numbers”—the total amount of coins produced in a specific year. For the 1907-S Barber Quarter, only 1,360,000 were ever struck. Compounded by the fact that most of these coins circulated heavily in the early 20th century, finding one in decent shape is a challenge for any collector.
To get an instant idea of what you have, you can use a top coin identifier app to scan your coin. Collectors often use the CoinKnow app to quickly distinguish between common dates and rare mint marks like the “S” on this 1907 issue.
Because of its scarcity, even a heavily worn 1907-S is worth significantly more than its silver melt value. While a common 1907 quarter might sell for $10, the San Francisco version starts at nearly seven times that price.
| Mint Branch | Mintage Quantity | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | 9,642,000 | Common |
| Denver (D) | 2,484,000 | Scarce |
| San Francisco (S) | 1,360,000 | Key Date / Rare |
How to Identify the Mint Mark on Your 1907 Quarter
To determine the true value of your coin, you must look for the mint mark. The 1907 quarter was designed by Charles E. Barber and features Lady Liberty on the front (obverse) and a heraldic eagle on the back (reverse).
Flip the coin over to the reverse side. Look at the bottom of the coin, specifically just below the eagle’s tail feathers and above the “QUARTER DOLLAR” text. If you see a small, raised “S,” it was minted in San Francisco.
If the area is blank, it was made in Philadelphia. If there is a “D,” it was made in Denver. Finding the “S” is the key to a higher payout, as these are far more desirable to numismatists.
During your search through old jars of coins, you might also find other denominations from this era. For instance, the 1907 dime value can also vary based on the mint mark, though the quarter remains one of the more impressive finds for casual hunters.
Grading the Condition of Your 1907-S Barber Quarter
The “Grade” of a coin refers to its physical condition. Because the 1907-S is a rare date, even a slight improvement in grade can mean a difference of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
A “Good” grade means the coin is very worn. You can see the outline of Liberty’s head, but most of the details in her hair and the word “LIBERTY” on her headband are gone. In this state, the coin is still a prize for any collector.
“Fine” condition means the letters in “LIBERTY” are mostly visible, though worn. By the time you reach “Extremely Fine,” the coin looks sharp, with clearly defined feathers on the eagle’s wings and crisp lines in Liberty’s hair.
Using an app like CoinKnow can help you compare your coin against high-resolution images of graded specimens. This allows you to estimate whether your coin is worth the minimum “Good” price or if you should have it professionally certified.
| Grade Designation | Visual Characteristics | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavily worn; rims flat; legend faint. | $65 – $85 |
| Fine (F-12) | Letters in LIBERTY are visible but weak. | $210 – $275 |
| Ex. Fine (XF-40) | Sharp details with only light wear on high points. | $600 – $800 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | No wear; original mint luster remains. | $2,500+ |
The Market for San Francisco Minted Silver Quarters
The market for Barber silver quarters has remained remarkably stable over the decades. Unlike modern bullion coins that fluctuate wildly with the price of silver, the 1907-S is valued for its history and scarcity.
As more silver coins were melted down in the 1960s and 1980s when silver prices spiked, the “surviving population” of 1907-S quarters likely dropped even further. This makes every existing specimen precious to the community.
If you are thinking about selling, it is vital that you do not clean the coin. Cleaning a vintage coin with chemicals or clothes can create microscopic scratches that destroy its “numismatic” value. A dirty, authentic 1907-S is always worth more than a shiny, cleaned one.
Before heading to a coin shop, check the latest auction results on CoinKnow. Knowing the recent sales prices for an “S” mint Barber quarter will give you the confidence to negotiate a fair price from a dealer.
Investment Potential and Long-Term Value
Is the 1907-S Barber Quarter a good investment? Numismatists generally agree that “key dates” like this one are among the safest bets in the hobby. Because they are genuinely difficult to find, they don’t depend on market trends as much as more common coins.
For those looking to start a collection, high-grade examples (About Uncirculated or Mint State) are the ones that see the most significant price appreciation over time. While a “Good” grade coin might increase by a few dollars a year, a “Mint State” coin can jump by thousands during a strong market.
Owning a piece of San Francisco’s minting history from the era just after the great 1906 earthquake is also a point of pride for many history buffs. It represents a resilient time in American history, captured in 90% pure silver.
| Year of Sale | Grade Sold | Record Price Paid |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | MS-67 (Superb Gem) | $28,800 |
| 2021 | AU-58 (Nearly Mint) | $1,800 |
| 2019 | XF-45 (Ex. Fine) | $840 |
FAQ Section
Q: Is every 1907 quarter worth $65?
A: No. Most 1907 quarters found in change or old collections were made in Philadelphia (no mint mark). In worn condition, those are typically worth around $10 to $15. Only the “S” mint mark command the high $65+ starting price.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1907-S Barber Quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the reverse (back) of the coin. Look at the bottom, centered directly above the letters “R D” in the word “QUARTER DOLLAR.” A small “S” indicates the San Francisco mint.
Q: Should I get my 1907-S quarter professionally graded?
A: If you believe your coin is in “Very Fine” condition or better (meaning Liberty’s headband is very clear), it is likely worth spending the money to have
