Barber Half Dollars

Charles E. Barber was Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1879 until his death in 1917. He succeeded his father, William, who had been Chief Engraver for ten years. Willliam's best known design was the Trade Dollar.

Charles Barber was born in London in 1840, emigrating to the United States when he was 12 years old. His father went to work for the US Mint in Philadelphia. Charles Upon the death of his father both he and George T. Morgan were considered for the Chief Engraver's position, Barber received the nod.

During his tenure Barber designed the 1883 Liberty Head nickel and the 1892 dime, quarter, and half dollar which became known by his name. Barber also designed commemorative coins and medals as well as coinage for Hawaii, Cuba, and Venezuela.

Many people were not enthralled with Barber's designs. President Theodore Roosevelt requested a redesign of the dime, quarter, and half dollar. Although certain groups sought to have famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens design the coins, Barber was vehemently opposed. Over Barber's objections, the MCMVII High Relief $20 coin was produced featuring the Saint-Gaudens design.

Charles E. Barber died in February of 1917, and was succeeded by the man who had been his rival for the position thirty eight years before.

The value of a coin is based on two factors. The first is how rare the coin is. This is a combination of how many coins were originally minted, and what happened to them. Some are destroyed accidentally. Some have been recalled by the government. Collectors have taken some out of circulation. As a particular type of coin has fewer examples available, it becomes more valuable. The other factor is the physical condition of a coin. The closer a specimen is to perfect is, the more valuable it becomes. So a rare, perfect coin is much more valuable than a common, worn coin.
The American Numismatic has developed a grading system to describe the condition of a coin. What I will discuss here is coins that have been minted to go into general circulation, released. The conditions of the coins are represented by names, as well as a combination of letters and numbers. I have summarized some general conditions here.

Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70) This indicates a coin in perfect, new condition. It shows no trace of handling, wear, or contact with other coins.

Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) This is an above average uncirculated coin. It may be brilliant, or it may be lightly toned. There are very few contact marks either on either surface of the coin or on the rim.

Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) This coin has some distracting contact marks and/or blemishes in the prime focal areas of one or both surfaces. The luster of the coin may be impaired.

Uncirculated (MS-60) This coin has no trace of wear, but it may show several contact marks, and the surface of the coin may lack luster, or even be spotted.
Choice About Uncirculated (AU-55) There is evidence of friction on the high points of the coin's design, but most of the mint luster remains.

About Uncirculated (AU-50) This coin shows traces of light wear on many of the high points of the coin. At least half of the original mint luster is still present. Obverse: Traces of wear on the cheek, tips of leaves and hair. Reverse: Traces of wear on the Eagle's head, neck, tail, and wing tips.

Choice Extremely Fine (EF-45) The coin exhibits light overall wear on the highest points of the coin. Some of the original mint luster is still evident. All design details are still very clear and sharp. Obverse: Slight wear on upper leaves, cheek and hair. Liberty is still sharp and the edges of the band are bold. Reverse: The Eagle's head, neck, wings and talons are slightly worn.

Extremely Fine (EF-40) There is light wear throughout the design, but all features of the design are still sharp and well-defined. Although not an essential element to the the definition of this grade, some traces of mint luster may still exist. Reverse: Some wear is evident on the edges of the leaves.

Choice Very Fine (VF-30) Light, even wear on the surface and highest parts throughout the design. All major features of the design, as well as al lettering remain sharp. Obverse: The bottom row of leaves is now weak, although there are still some visible details. Reverse: Wear is evident on the shield, the Eagle's neck and tail. The motto is still complete.

Very Fine (VF-20) While all major details of the design remain clear, there is moderate wear on high points of the coin's design. Obverse: Half the details still evident in the leaves. The harir and ribbon are worn. Reverse. Half the details in the feathers are clear. The motto is still clear. The wings, tail and legs show visible wear in places.

Fine (F-12) There is moderate to considerable even wear. The design remains bold, and the overall appearance of the coin is still pleasing to the eye. Obverse: Some detail still evident in the hair, facial features and cap. The letters in LIBERTY are weak. The bottom row of leaves is worn almost completely smooth. Reverse: Half the feathers are visible. Horizontal lines on the shield have merged, but the vertical lines are still good.

Very Good (VG-8) The coin is well worn with the main features of the design remaining clear and bold, although they have been worn somewhat flat. Obverse: Heavy wear on the facial details. Some letters in LIBERTY are still clear, and the rim is still complete. Reverse: The Eagle shows a small amount of detail. The arrows and leaves are flat, the shield is weak, and parts of the eye and motto are visible.

Good (G-4) This coin is heavily worn. The design is still visible, but many of the details are flat, and the design is faint in some areas. Obverse: Liberty is worn away and the rim is flat. Reverse. The eagle is worn flat, but is completely outlined. The ribbon is nearly smooth. The legend is weak bur visible.

About Good (AG-3) This coin is very heavily worn with portions of the lettering, date, and legend have been worn smooth. In many instances, the date is barely readable.

The Barber half-dollar series consists of 73 regular issues, plus one major variety. Barber half dollars have more collectors than either the dimes or the quarters - but only in circulated grades (AG-VF+). The higher cost of coins In nicer grades due to lower availability tends to reduce the number of people collecting them. The coins are readily available at coin shows, in shops, and at auction sites on the Internet.

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