Barber Half Dollars
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Barber Half Dollars (Liberty Head Half Dollars)
With all of the controversy and struggle that the Barber Half Dollar faced before it was ever produced, it is amazing the coin ever saw the light of day.
James P. Kimball was the Director of the United States Mint in 1887. That year, in his annual report to Congress, Kimball requested a change in the design of minor silver coinage (that below the dollar). His proposal was that "distinguished" artists would compete for the privilege of having their design displayed on U.S. coins. Ten artists were approached in 1890, but the artists refused to participate in the competition without being assured of compensation for their work whether or not they won the competition.
So the Mint revamped the design contest...opening it to the public. Although the public responded, none of the designs submitted were deemed of sufficient merit to be placed on US coins (Only 2 designs received "honorable mention."). Finally, Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber was asked to create the designs. The first Barber Half Dollars were produced in 1892.
Charles Edward Barber
After Whom the Coin is "Named"
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 and the $4 Flowing Hair Stella.
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 Barber Half Dollar's Predecessor
Prior to the Barber Half Was The Seated Liberty Half Dollar
The Seated Liberty Half Dollar had been produced since 1839 and had gone through several design changes. In 1887, James P. Kimball, Director of the US Mint, referred to the "inferiority of our coinage" compared to other advanced nations in his annual report. He recommended that U.S. coinage be redesigned. At Kimball's request, Senator Justin S Morill introduced a bill authorizing the Treasury Department to redesign coins without first obtaining the permission of Congress, if the current design had been in use for 25 years or more. The bill passed on September 26, 1890. The designs of the dime, quarter, and half dollar were targeted. The decision of who should redesign the coins fell to his successor, Edward O. Leech. The Seated Liberty's final year of production was 1891.
The Barber Half Dollar -- The Coin Itself
Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Thickness: 1.8 millimeters
Edge: Reeded
Weight: 12.5 grams
Metal content: Silver - 90% Copper - 10%
Key Dates for Barber Half Dollars include 1892-O, 1892-S, 1893-S, 1896-S, 1901-S, 1904-S, 1913, 1914 and 1915, although none of these are considered extremely rare.
The Barber Half Dollar's Obverse
The design on the obverse (front) of Barber silver coinage consisted of a Liberty head with a cap and wreath. This figure was inspired both by both classical Greek and Roman models. Similar designs are found on of several 19th-century French coins. The word "LIBERTY" is incused in the headband. The LIBERTY wears relatively quickly in circulation, so numismatists often use it as a quick determination of a coin's grade. Liberty's head is flanked by six stars on the left and seven on the right. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears above Liberty, and the date the coin was minted appears centered below her.
The Barber Half Dollar's Reverse
The Reverse (back) of the Barber Half Dollar features a heraldic eagle, similar to the eagle on the Great Seal of the United States. The coin's denomination, "HALF DOLLAR," and the mint mark (if any) located beneath the eagle. The eagle carries a banner with the words "E PLURIBUS UNUM" in its beak. The motto often wears quite quickly when the coin is in circulation. The motto is often used by numismatists as a quick indicator of a coin's condition, and therefore its grade. A field of 13 stars (representing the 13 original American colonies) appears above the eagle. The top edge of the coin features the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
A Stately Question
The Barber Half Dollar has the words In God We Trust on the obverse. How many US States can you make from the letters of In "Barber Half Dollar In God We Trust"? You can only use the letters the number of times they appear in the seven specified words.
Where is the Mint Mark on the Barber Half?
The Barber Half Dollar was produced at four US Mint facilities. From 1892 through 1905 the coin was produced in Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco ("S"), and New Orleans ("O"). In 1906 the mint at Denver ("D") began striking Barber Halves. 1909 was the last year the New Orleans Mint was in operation, son beginning in 1910, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Denver produced the Barber Half.
The Designer's Initial
An Interesting Fact About Barber Half Dollars
Barber Half Dollars were struck for 24 years. A total of about 136 million Barber Halves were minted. This is less than half the number of Kennedy Half Dollars made in 1964 alone.
What's My Barber Half Worth?
I Can't Tell You That, But Here's a Good Start on Finding Out
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 along with some speicifics for various grades for the Barber Quarter.
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. No trace of wear, but blemishes are somewhat obvious. The coin may lack full mint luster. The surface may be spotted or even heavily toned.
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. There is a trace of wear on the high points below the BER in LIBERTY. On the reverse, trace of wear is evident on the head, the tip of the tail, and the wingtips.
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 hair 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.
A Stately Answer
Delaware
Idaho
Iowa
Ohio
Oregon
Utah
So you can find the names of six states in the words specified.
Barber Half Dollars on eBay
eBay is a Wonderful Resource for Collector, But Not For the Reason You Think
How Many Points are there on the Stars on the Barber Half Dollar?
Collecting Barber Half Dollars.
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. Most people get this wrong. They assume that the stars on the front are just like those on the back.
BUT THEY'RE NOT!
The 13 Stars on the Obverse are
Six-Pointed Stars.
The 13 Stars on the Reverse are
Five-Pointed Stars.
(143 Points in All)
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The Coin Which Replaced the Barber Half
Adolph A. Weinman's design of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar was minted from 1916 to 1947. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all United States Coins. The design was resurrected for the Silver Eagle in 1986.
Half Dollars on Jewelry and Accessories on eBay
Sometimes You'll See Barbers on Jewelry
Interested in More Coin Jewelry?
Take a Look -- It's Fascinating!
What's a Stella?
You Said Barber Designed It, But I've Never Seen One!
The $4 gold coin was produced as a pattern coin, a potential international trade coin. It was produced at the urging of John A. Kasson, a former chairman of the United States House Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures, who believed that the United States should to explore the possibility of joining the Latin Monetary Union (A 19th century attempt to unify several European currencies into a single currency that could be used in all the member states) Two designs were created. Charles Barber created the Flowing Hair design, George Morgan created the Coiled Hair design. While it is not known how many of these pattern coins were produced, it is believed that 15 may have been in 1879, with about 410 coins struck in 1880 so that congressmen could review them.
The idea failed. The United States did not join the LMU, which was disbanded in 1927, and the Stella was never minted for circulation. Many examples were kept as pocket pieces, as there are numerous coins seen today with a great deal of wear or damage.
The 1879 coins are deeply mirrored, completely lacking die striations; the 1880's bear lightly striated surfaces, and have significant mint frost for a Proof coin. The $4 gold Stella is one of the most desirable U.S. gold coins.
Learn About Numismatics -- Read Coin Magazines
A Monthly Connection With Numismatic News and Information
1. You stay in touch with the marketplace. Magazines often print price lists. While these are somewhat out of date due to the time it takes to put together, publish, and distribute the magazine, you will certianly be able to keep track of price trends in the market.
2. You'll see what's hot and what's not. Again, trend related, but this lets you know specific coins that are underperforming or outperforming the market. What's in demand right now?
3. Some magazines periodically print articles on specific coins, or practices in the hobby. I am particularly impressed by articles concerning grading coins. These are very helpful.
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Barber Dimes
Barber Dimes were a wonderful coin at the beginning of the Twentieth Century
Mercury Dimes
Mercury Dimes--Actual Name Winged Liberty Dimes. But why would liberty have wings on her head? Find out here.
Roosevelt Dimes
Franklin D Roosevelt Dimes. Helped pull us out of the Depression and got his face on a coin!
Barber Quarters
Barber Quarters%u2026another coin featuring the design sculpted by the chief engraver of the US Mint.
Standing Liberty Quarters
Standing Liberty Quarters are among the favorites of collectors. Another interesting and beautiful design.
Washington Quarter
Washington Quarters%u2026a classic featuring our first President.
Barber Half Dollars
Barber Half Dollars feature Barber's rendition of the head of Liberty.
Walking Liberty Half Dollars
Walking Liberty Half Dollars--Perhaps the most beautiful of US Coins
Franklin Half Dollars
Benjamin Franklin Half Dollars -Featuring Benjamin Franklin and the Liberty Bell. Grat collector material
Kennedy Half Dollars
John F Kennedy Half Dollars began their run mere months after Kennedy's assassination and have been some of our most popular coins ever!
Morgan Silver Dollars
Morgan Silver Dollars not just prized for their silver content, they are gorgeous coins!
Peace Dollars
Peace Dollars are among my favorite coins! A gorgeous obverse side and a Standing Eagle on the Reverse!
Eisenhower Dollars
Eisenhower Dollars-The first coin I can remember to feature the Moon.
Susan B Anthony Dollar
Susan B Anthony Dollars feature a fighter for equal rights for women.
Sacagawea Dollars
Sacagawea Dollars-commemorating her contributions to the Lewis and Clark Expedition!
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jimmyworldstar
Feb 10, 2012 @ 2:18 pm | delete
- These barber half dollars look the same as some silver dollars, are they?
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FoxMusic
Jan 4, 2011 @ 5:35 pm | delete
- This is a very informative lens on the Barber Half Dollars -
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danielandcompany
Oct 13, 2009 @ 4:36 pm | delete
- still looking but love the barber coins
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