Barber Half Dollars

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.   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 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. 1892-O 1892-S 1897-O 1897-S 1914   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 2007:  $300 Value Trends 1950:  $2.50 1980:  $75.00 1995:  $100 2003:  $150 2007:  $250 % Annual Increase Since 1950  = 8.76% % Annual Increase Since 1950  = 8.41% 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 2007:  $175 Value Trends 1950:  $3.00 1980:  $55.00 1995:  $75.00 2003:  $125 2007:  $165 % Annual Increase Since 1950  = 7.39% % Annual Increase Since 1950  = 7.28% 1914 Barber Half Dollar Condition: G-4   Value Trends 1950:  $1.75 1980:  $25.00 1995:  $30.00 2002:  $40.00 2007:  $150 % Annual Increase Since 1950  = 8.12%
	Half Cents 1793-1857
	Large Cents 1793-1857
	Flying Eagle Cents 1856-1858
	Indian Head Cents 1859-1909
	Lincoln Cents 1909-present
	Two and Three Cents 1851-1889
	Shield Nickels 1866-1883
	Liberty Nickels 1883-1913
	Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938
	Jefferson Nickels 1938-present
	Early Half Dimes 1792-1837
	Seated Liberty Half Dimes 1837-1873
	Early Dimes 1796-1837
	Seated Liberty Dimes 1837-1891
	Barber Dimes 1892-1916
	Mercury Dimes 1916-1945
	Roosevelt Dimes 1946-present
	Twenty Cents 1875-1878
	Early Quarters 1796-1838
	Seated Liberty Quarters 1838-1891
	Barber Quarters 1892-1916
	Standing Liberty Quarters 1916-1930
	Washington Quarters 1932-present
	Early Half Dollars 1794-1839
	Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891
	Barber Half Dollars 1892-1915
	Walking Liberty Half Dollars 1916-1947
	Franklin Half Dollars 1948-1963
	Kennedy Half Dollars 1964-Present
	Early Dollars 1794-1804
	Gobrecht Dollars 1836-1839
	Seated Liberty Dollars 1840-1873
	Trade Dollars 1873-1885
	Morgan Dollars 1878-1921
	Peace Dollars 1921-1935
	Eisenhower Dollars 1971-1978
	Anthony Dollars 1979-1981,1999
	Sacagawea Dollars 2000-present
	Presidential Dollars 2007-present
	Gold Dollars 1849-1889
	Early Quarter Eagles 1796-1834
	Classic Head Quarter Eagles 1834-1839
	Coronet Quarter Eagles 1840-1907
	Indian Head Quarter Eagles 1908-1929
	Three Dollar Gold 1854-1889
	Early Half Eagles 1795-1834
	Classic Head Half Eagles 1834-1838
	Coronet Half Eagles 1839-1908
	Indian Head Half Eagles 1908-1929
	Early Eagles 1795-1804
	Coronet Eagles 1838-1907
	Indian Head Eagles 1907-1933
	Coronet Double Eagles 1849-1907
	St-Gaudens Double Eagles 1907-1933
	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.

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