10 Most Authentic & Rare Barber Half Dollars

In the 1880s, there was growing desire for a replacement for the Seated Liberty half dollar design, which was regarded as unappealing. In 1891, Mint Director Edward Leech held a competition to create a new design.

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Unfortunately, despite providing a $5,000 prize, he only received a few submissions, none of which were appropriate.

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Leech gave up on the competition and asked Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber to develop new designs for the half dollar, quarter, and dime. His work is what sparked the classic Barber coin series.

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From 1892 to 1915, the Barber silver half dollars were struck in the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints. Additional coins were made at New Orleans until 1909, and in Denver from 1906.

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1892 Barber Silver Half Dollar AU55 NGC

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1892 Barber Silver Half Dollar AU58 Uncertified

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1892 Barber Silver Half Dollar AU58 NGC (CAC)

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1892 Barber Silver Half Dollar MS64 PCGS (CAC)

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1892 Barber Silver Half Dollar MS65 NGC

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1892-O Barber Silver Half Dollar MS64 PCGS

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1892-S Barber Silver Half Dollar AU Uncertified

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1893 Barber Silver Half Dollar MS64 PCGS

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1892-S Barber Silver Half Dollar MS60 Uncertified

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1892-S Barber Silver Half Dollar Choice AU Uncertified

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