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he 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 his 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.
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Barber
Half Dollar
Specifications |
Diameter: |
Weight: |
Minted: |
Composition: |
Designer |
Edge: |
30.6 mm |
12.50 g |
1892-1915 |
.100 Cu .900
Ag |
Charles Barber |
Reeded |
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Coin Photos courtesy of
Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc., Beverly Hills, CA. |
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.
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1892-O
Barber Half Dollar
Condition: G-4
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1892-S
Barber Half Dollar
Condition: G-4
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Value Trends
1950: $2.50
1980: $85.00
1995: $75.00
2003: $175
2007: $300
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Value Trends
1950: $2.50
1980: $75.00
1995: $100
2003: $150
2007: $250
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% Annual Increase
Since 1950 =
8.76%
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% Annual Increase
Since 1950 =
8.41%
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1897-O
Barber Half Dollar
Condition: G-4
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1897-S
Barber Half Dollar
Condition: G-4
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Value Trends
1950: $3.00
1980: $45.00
1995: $45.00
2003: $65.00
2007: $175
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Value Trends
1950: $3.00
1980: $55.00
1995: $75.00
2003: $125
2007: $165
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% Annual Increase
Since 1950 =
7.39%
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% Annual Increase
Since 1950 =
7.28%
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1914
Barber Half Dollar
Condition: G-4
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Value Trends
1950:
$1.75
1980: $25.00
1995: $30.00
2002: $40.00
2007: $150
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% Annual Increase
Since 1950 =
8.12%
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Half Cents
1793-1857 |
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Large Cents
1793-1857 |
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Flying Eagle Cents
1856-1858 |
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Indian Head Cents
1859-1909 |
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Lincoln Cents
1909-present |
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Two and Three
Cents 1851-1889 |
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Shield Nickels
1866-1883 |
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Liberty Nickels
1883-1913 |
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Buffalo Nickels
1913-1938 |
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Jefferson Nickels 1938-present |
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Early Half Dimes
1792-1837 |
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Seated Liberty Half Dimes 1837-1873 |
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Early Dimes
1796-1837 |
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Seated Liberty Dimes 1837-1891 |
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Barber Dimes
1892-1916 |
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Mercury Dimes
1916-1945 |
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Roosevelt Dimes 1946-present |
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Twenty Cents
1875-1878 |
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Early Quarters
1796-1838 |
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Seated Liberty Quarters 1838-1891 |
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Barber Quarters
1892-1916 |
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Standing Liberty
Quarters 1916-1930 |
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Washington
Quarters 1932-present |
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Early Half Dollars
1794-1839 |
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Seated Liberty
Half Dollars 1839-1891 |
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Barber Half
Dollars 1892-1915 |
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Walking Liberty
Half Dollars 1916-1947 |
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Franklin Half
Dollars 1948-1963 |
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Kennedy Half Dollars 1964-Present |
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Early Dollars
1794-1804 |
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Gobrecht Dollars 1836-1839 |
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Seated Liberty Dollars 1840-1873 |
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Trade Dollars
1873-1885 |
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Morgan Dollars
1878-1921 |
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Peace Dollars
1921-1935 |
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Eisenhower Dollars
1971-1978 |
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Anthony Dollars
1979-1981,1999 |
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Sacagawea Dollars
2000-present |
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Presidential Dollars
2007-present |
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Gold Dollars
1849-1889 |
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Early Quarter Eagles 1796-1834 |
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Classic Head Quarter Eagles 1834-1839 |
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Coronet Quarter
Eagles 1840-1907 |
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Indian Head
Quarter Eagles 1908-1929 |
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Three Dollar Gold
1854-1889 |
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Early Half Eagles
1795-1834 |
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Classic Head Half Eagles 1834-1838 |
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Coronet Half
Eagles 1839-1908 |
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Indian Head Half
Eagles 1908-1929 |
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Early Eagles
1795-1804 |
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Coronet Eagles
1838-1907 |
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Indian Head Eagles
1907-1933 |
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Coronet Double
Eagles 1849-1907 |
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St-Gaudens Double
Eagles 1907-1933 |
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During the Barber coinage era of 1892-1916,
the world saw revolutionary changes in transportation. Henry Ford
rolled out his first automobile in 1896, which he called the Quadricycle.
On July 20, 1903, the Ford Motor Company sold its first car, a Model A, to
a Detroit physician for $850. Later in 1903, the Wright Brothers'
flying machine took to the air under its own power, forever shattering
mankind's obedience to gravity.
Public domain image. |