1893 Isabella Quarter

Coin Details

Auction Record

$64,625 MS68 11-15-2013 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1893 Isabella Quarter is a commemorative quarter struck at the Philadelphia Mint. With a mintage of 24,214, this is a scarce commemorative issue. Authorized for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, this quarter dollar was sponsored by the Board of Lady Managers to fund a children's hospital at the fair. The obverse features a crowned bust of Queen Isabella I of Spain facing left, wearing a crown and veil, while the reverse displays a kneeling woman spinning flax, holding a distaff in her left hand and a spindle in her right, symbolizing women's industry. Designed by Charles E. Barber. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #9220. With a net distribution of 24,214 pieces, the Isabella Quarter is a scarce and historically important coin. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a foreign monarch and remains the only classic commemorative quarter.