Barber Half Dollars (1892-1915)

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Your Guide to Collecting Barber Half Dollars From 1892 - 1915

If you enjoy collecting money and you are looking to specialize your collection, consider adding inexpensive Barber half dollars. You can easily put them in a coin book for an exciting conversation piece. You may also want to create a display and hang it on your wall for all to enjoy.

When were Barber half dollars modified?

The 1892 Barber half dollars were the first ones minted, and workers created them for the next 25 years. Employees changed the design three times during those 25 years, including:

  • 1901: The eagle's talons appear sharper after a small design change.
  • 1908: Slight changes when the mints created new hubs. This hub change makes the headband word "Liberty" more prominent.
  • 1912: More slight changes because the mints created new hubs.
Unique features of the 1892 Barber half dollar

The 1892 Barber half dollar minted at New Orleans was one of the very few Barber half dollar error coins created. Look closely at the mint mark on some of these coins, and you will discover that the "O" is much smaller than other mint marks. Mint employees accidentally used a smaller mint mark that is typically used for quarters on these coins.

Are there any Barber half dollars that are hard to find?

It is easy to find preowned Barber half dollars for sale. There are, however, Barber coins that are harder to find in outstanding condition. These are:

  • 1901-S: In 1901, the San Francisco Mint only created 847,044 half dollars.
  • 1904-S: In 1904, the San Francisco Mint only created 553,038 half dollars.
  • 1907-S: In 1907, the San Francisco Mint only created 1,250,000 half dollars.
How are Barber half dollars graded?

There were proof Barber half dollars created each year. These coins were hand polished, and they have a brilliant luster. Additionally, there were coins not circulated, and these were set aside each year. Below that, experts grade coins by their condition, including:

  • About good: These coins lack detail, and the stars are usually worn into the rim.
  • Good: The rim on these coins may or may not be full, but very few details will be plain. However, there should be a space between the letters and the rim on the reverse.
  • Very Good: You should be able to read at least three letters on Lady Liberty's headband. Additionally, on the reverse, you should be able to barely see a few of the eagle's feathers.
  • Fine: All the letters in the headband should be present, but some wear may be present. On the reverse, at least half of the feathers should be visible. You should also be able to see most of the "E PLURIBUS UNUM."
  • Extremely Fine: The band over the word "liberty" will be present, and you can see hair on the forehead. On the reverse, all feathers should be completely present.

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