What is the difference between a F and VF Barber?

Merc

I bought some Barber quarters but I'm not quite sure how they would grade. The Redbook and the ANA grading standards books are rather vague on what to look for. Can any barber collectors give me more info? Thanks.

lordmarcovan

Redbook grading standards are no more than a pencil sketch. The ANA descriptions are notably vague, it's true. Try comparing the pictures in the ANA book. A copy of Photograde and an older ANA or Brown & Dunn grading book is sometimes good to have, too, as they have line drawings which are sometimes clearer than the photographs. I cross-reference more than one grading guide sometimes, and make sure a coin meets the criteria of both.

Now, as to answering your specific question about Barber coinage, I'm afraid I don't know the answer off the top of my head, and I don't have any books nearby, as I'm at work. However, very generally speaking, a Fine coin will have one-half to two-thirds (50-66%) of its original design detail, and a Very Fine will have more than three-quarters (75-80%) of its design detail. Again, this is very generally speaking, based loosely on the world coin grading standards in the Krause catalogs.

As for the specific example of Barber coins, I'm not sure, but I think the focal point will be the hair on the forehead, the wreath, and the band that LIBERTY is on. A Fine will probably have mostly full LIBERTY but not sharp, and the band might be indistinct, while a Very Fine will have sharp letters and a full band. Just a guess.

ShoeshineBoy

From Photograde:

Fine - Obverse: There will be a full LIBERTY on the head but it will not be sharp. The top of the wreath will be well outlined but the bottom will be worn. Reverse: About half of the feathers will show. E PLURIBUS UNUM will be three-quarters complete.

Very Fine - Obverse: LIBERTY will be sharp. The wreath will be well outlined at both top and bottom. Reverse: E PLURIBUS UNUM will be complete. More feather detail will show on the neck and tail.

lordmarcovan

Thanks, Shoeshine. I suppose my guess wasn't too far off.

lordmarcovan

Got a picture of some of your quarters, Merc?

Coulport

The difference is about 70% in price for the common dates.

Merc

Here are some pictures. They don't give all the detail. Liberty is very bold and complete, even the E. It looks weak in the picture. I don't know how to make those huge clear pictures so I'll have to do it this way. I tried to attach them but they are too large.

1911obv

1911rev

ARCO

The coin looks like a nice higher end fine. Barbers are graded very similiar in all three series.

Fine12- F18; All of LIBERTY must be visible but portions of some of the letters may be gone, usually the BER part.

VF20 - VF35; LIBERTY is 100 % complete. VF20's will have a complete LIBERTY, but the bottom portions may be weaker, but still present. VF30's have a bold solid LIBERTY with the ribbon below the LIBERTY stronger.

Here is a good internet site. It focus's on Halves and there are some differences especially with the quarters, but that is something you will have to learn on your own if interested. The complete guide to Barber quarters has an excellent section on grading.

Grading Barbers (Halves)

Tyler

Dave99B

Merc -

Partial grading descriptions, per David Lawrence:

F-12 Every letter in LIBERTY will show, but some may be weak.
F-15 Most letters in LIBERTY will be complete. Weakness will usually be in the bottom of "R".
VF-20 Every letter in LIBERTY is complete
VF-30 Liberty will be compete. In coins of Obverse Type II (1900-1916) the band under LIBERTY will show under LIB and TY.

Dave

Merc

Thanks. Looks like 1 will grade F18 and the other is VF20. The ANA grading standards say a Fine 12 will have the upper row of leaves outlined while the lower is worn. On a Vf the lower leaves will be outlined too. Plus, the LIBERTY wil be 100% complete.

Dave99B

Merc, here's a guy who clearly needs to read your thread

Dave

dorkkarl

<< <i>What is the difference between a F and VF Barber? >>

why, the number on the slab, of course!

K S

jdimmick

You dont happen to have the 01-s quarter in one of those grades do ya?

Ill take either one at your price??

jim dimmick