Barber Half Dollars (1892-1915)

The Striking Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915)

Redesigned in 1892, the Barber half dollar showcases Miss Liberty facing right, adorned with a Phrygian cap and laurel wreath, with "LIBERTY" on a ribbon above her forehead. The reverse features a heraldic eagle from the Great Seal of the United States, clutching an olive branch and arrows, and holding a ribbon inscribed "E PLURIBUS UNUM," surrounded by "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "HALF DOLLAR."

Minted continuously at the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints from 1892 to 1915, with additional production from New Orleans and Denver, the Barber half dollar lacks significant rarities, although the 1892-O, 1892-S, 1893-S, 1897-O, 1897-S, 1914, and 1915 can be tougher to find. Type set collectors can easily acquire pieces in Good to Very Good grades, but Fine coins are scarce, and Extremely Fine specimens are rare. Uncirculated coins are increasingly difficult to find, with superb Uncirculated pieces being very rare. Proofs were minted in limited quantities, typically around 500 to 900 pieces per year. The rarity of high-grade circulated pieces is due to their long circulation, with many being "enhanced" in the 1960s and 1970s and sold as Uncirculated.