The origination of the Barber Half Dollar closely parallels that of the Barber Dime and Quarter Dollar. The Mint had hoped to obtain a new coinage design in 1890 by sponsoring a contest to replace the Seated Liberty theme.
This failed when (1) financial terms could not be reached with the group of ten renowned artists first asked by the Mint to compete, and (2) all designs subsequently submitted by the public at large were judged unworthy. The task then fell to Mint Engraver Charles Barber, who began work in 1891.
Barber coinage began circulating in 1892. The half dollar and quarter dollar share the same reverse, dominated by a large eagle and shield. The dime reverse features a wreath encircling the words "One Dime". The last of the Barber coins were released in 1916, though the final year of half dollar production was 1915.
Don't look for any spectacular rarities in the Barber Half Dollar series, but there are definitely a few key dates having respectable records of value appreciation, all of which are still priced within the means of average collectors.
Key date Barber Half Dollars are offered for sale below. Click the link to take you to eBay auction coins. As usual, its a good idea to purchase rare coins that have been certified by one of the leading grading services: PCGS, NGC, ANACS, or ICG. If the coins are "raw", then at least deal only with a seller of stellar reputation. You might be setting yourself up for a disappointment if you don't.
The left hand side of each "Sales Box" is value trend data over a very long period of time for a coin of that date in Good-4 condition. The percent annual increase is computed for comparative purposes. The coin pictured for sale in the right hand side is not necessarily the same condition coin as that represented in the value trend analysis on left hand side.
1892-O Barber Half Dollar Condition: G-4 | | | 1892-S Barber Half Dollar Condition: G-4 | | Value Trends
1950: $2.50 1980: $85.00 1995: $75.00 2003: $175 2009: $300
| Value Trends
1950: $2.50 1980: $75.00 1995: $100 2003: $150 2009: $250
| % Annual Increase Since 1950 =
8.45% | % Annual Increase Since 1950 =
8.12% |
1897-O Barber Half Dollar Condition: G-4 | | | 1897-S Barber Half Dollar Condition: G-4 | | Value Trends
1950: $3.00 1980: $45.00 1995: $45.00 2003: $65.00 2009: $175
| Value Trends
1950: $3.00 1980: $55.00 1995: $75.00 2003: $125 2009: $165
| % Annual Increase Since 1950 =
7.13% | % Annual Increase Since 1950 =
7.03% |
1914 Barber Half Dollar Condition: G-4 | | | Value Trends
1950: $1.75 1980: $25.00 1995: $30.00 2003: $40.00 2009: $200
| % Annual Increase Since 1950 =
8.36% | Back to Top©Copyright 2009 by US-Coin-Values-Advisor.com. All rights reserved.
Use of any content contained on these website pages without the expressed written consent of US-Coin-Values-Advisor is strictly prohibited.
No copyrighted images may be used without permission of original copyright owner. |
|