[The following excerpt is published courtesy of DLRC Press and its author, David Lawrence. This information was originally published in 1994 in The Complete Guide to Barber Quarters.]
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Mintage
Business strikes: 8,236,000
Proof strikes: 1,245
Varieties: Type I and II reverses, including proofs (see “Major Hub Changes,” p. 8). Also a thin edge variety reported by Rice in 1899 (Type II). ANACS has certified a Double Die Reverse (2 mint state specimens); a Double Die Obverse and a Triple Die Reverse (two AU specimens).
101 Repunched date. Shows most clearly under the 1 and 8. Has a Type II reverse. (sketch)
102 Filled “S” in STATES. The top of both Sh are filled. Has a Type I reverse. Discovered by Bill Harris. (photo)
103 Double die reverse (Type I). (photos)
104 Double die obverse. (photo)
105 Triple die reverse. (photo)
106 RPD clearest under 8, but can be seen under all digits. Type II reverse. (photo)
Scarcity: A common date in EF and above, but better in lower grades. Type I is scarcer than II for both MS and proofs.
Rarity Ratings: G/VG R1; F/VF R2; EF/AU R1; MS R1. Common in proof.
Ranking: Business strikes – 66th in mintage; 73rd in certified mint state population, 72nd in MS63 PI and 72nd in Gem PI. Proofs- 24th of 24 in mintage and in certified population (388 coins).
Comments: First year of issue and generally well struck. Widely saved and is the second most common issue (after the 1916- D) in mint state. However, the 1,038 certified mint state coins represent just .0126% of the initial mintage! The 1916-D is far more common in low circulated grades. The 1892 has additional demand from collectors who put together sets of the first year of issue.
