In 1892, the United States Mint began issuing a
new type of dime, quarter, and half dollar. All three denominations
carried the same version of Lady Liberty. The quarter and half dollar
shared the same reverse.
The new coins were the work of Mint Engraver Charles Barber.
Accordingly, numismatists named the type after its designer. Barber
coinage continued until 1916.
Mintage of Barber Half Dollars at the New
Orleans Mint during their
first year was stopped after only 390,000 coins were stuck. This proved
to be one of the smallest mintages of all the Barber Half Dollar
series, and contributes to the key date status of the 1892-O.
In lower grades, the 1892-O rises above its Barber Half siblings in
terms of
value. However, in higher grades, its prestige levels out.
An important variety of the 1892-O is the “Micro O”, which is characterized by
an exceedingly
small “O” mintmark. It is the most valuable Barber Half Dollar,
regardless of condition, and is worth the extra investment.
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