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HISTORY
The Barber Half, once known as the Liberty Head Half, was minted from 1892 to 1915. Designed by Charles E. Barber, it is one of the most popular series among collectors. Barbers, highly collectible in all grades from Good to MS65, are one of the 19th century series that can be completed in nearly all grades from Good through MS63. The Barber series (Halves, Quarters & Dimes) is such a popular area of numismatics that prices for circulated specimens could rise or fall by 10% and not alter the amount of coins trading in the marketplace. Many of the key dates will trade at over current price levels. There are several tough circulated grade dates in this series: the 1892 O, S, 93 S, 96 S, and 97 O, S. These are just as tough to locate in low-grade as they are in high-grade and typically command premiums.
MINTS
Barber Halves were produced at the following mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, Denver, and San Francisco. Philadelphia and San Francisco performed the greater part of the minting process, striking coins from 1892-1915. New Orleans minted coins in 1892-1909. Denver issued coins in 1906-1908, 1911-13, and 1915.
TERMINOLOGY
Liberty Head Half - The name given this series in the early years of production; eventually collectors began using Barber Half after the designer Charles E. Barber.
RECOMMENDED REFERENCES
The Complete Guide to Barber Halves, by David Lawrence
Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection, by John Dannreuther
Photograde, by James F. Ruddy
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Series
Barber Halves
Series Run
1892-1915
Designer
Charles E. Barber
Weight
12.50 grams
Net Weight
.36169 ounces pure silver
Composition
.900 silver
.100 copper
Diameter
30.6 millimeters
Edge
Reeded Edge
Mints
Philadelphia, New Orleans, Denver, San Francisco
Mink Mark Location
reverse below eagle
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