Barber Half Dollars (1892-1915)
The Barber Half Dollar, struck from 1892 through 1915, was designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. It was part of the broader Barber coinage family (including dimes and quarters) and became the workhorse silver half of its era. These coins circulated heavily during America’s Gilded Age and Progressive Era, meaning most survivors are well-worn, and high-grade examples are scarce.
Design
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Obverse: Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and laurel wreath with “IN GOD WE TRUST” above.
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Reverse: A heraldic eagle with shield, clutching arrows and an olive branch, modeled after the Great Seal of the United States.
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Specifications: 90% silver, 10% copper; weight 12.5 grams; diameter 30.6 mm.
Collector Appeal
Barber halves are popular with both type collectors and date-and-mint specialists. Their appeal lies in their relatively short series length (24 years), numerous semi-keys, and the challenge of finding problem-free, well-struck Mint State examples. Because they were used extensively in commerce, many dates are surprisingly difficult in high grade despite respectable mintages.
Key Dates and Rarities
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1892-O Micro O: A variety with a tiny mintmark; very scarce and popular.
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1892-S: Low mintage (990,710), one of the toughest early issues.
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1893-S: Mintage just 740,000; scarce in all grades.
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1896-S: A classic key date; mintage only 140,000.
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1897-O: Scarce across grades, especially in Mint State.
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1913: Low mintage of just 188,627; rare in higher grades.
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1914: Another low-mintage Philadelphia issue at 124,230, among the toughest in the series.
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1915-S: While more common than the 1913 and 1914, Mint State examples are elusive.