A.C. Dwyer's Coin Stories

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1904 50¢ Barber Half Dollar

PCGS MS-66

 

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The Arlington Collection of U.S. Type Coins

 

 

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About the Coin

 

There are no great rarities among the Barber half dollar series although the 1904 San Francisco counterpart to the Philadelphia coin shown here is definitely a key date in higher grades. 

 

However, what is not so well known is how rare this 1904 Barber half dollar is in higher grades. As of this writing, PCGS has graded only 4 as MS-66 and 1 higher in MS-67. NGC has graded only 2 in this grade with none higher.  A quick look through Heritage's auction archive shows that the last time one was auctioned in this grade was over four years ago.

 

This example from The Arlington Collection has unbelievable eye appeal. The fields are extremely clean and the coin has beautiful iridecent blue, green, and russett toning. When I saw this coin, I knew I had my Barber half dollar type coin.

 

Designer: Charles E. Barber

Weight: 12.5 grams

Diameter: approx. 30.6mm, reeded edge

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

 

PCGS Price Guide: Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915)

 

Article: How to calculate the content and value of gold or silver in a coin