Owner Comments:
Total Graded: 14719
Total Prooflike: 29
Percentage: 0.1970%
The Barber half dollar is a big, ugly coin. The design is considered unattractive by most collectors, although it has a minority of vocal supporters. Mintages across the series are generally low. Prooflike coins in this series are almost unheard of. Census numbers indicate a decent number have been certified, but after years of searching these coins are much scarcer than census numbers indicate. The same is true across all Barber series – while there are a number graded, they are apparently all locked up in strong hands. Auction appearances of PL Barber coinage are few and far between.
So, when I saw this coin come up on Heritage, I knew that I was going to bid strong. If anyone else wanted it, they were going to have to pay for it. Obviously, I was able to win it (and for less than I was willing to pay!). The coin is beautiful in hand. The surfaces are essentially mark free, although there is minor die polish evident. The strike is sublime, and the early die state shows every detail possible. Luster is weak, as is expected from such an early die state coin. There is a light hint of cameo contrast on the devices, although it isn’t as strong as many of my other coins. The mirrors are clear and obvious, although they are slightly impeded by light hazy toning. The mirrors on Barber halves are usually weaker than the average Seated Liberty PL, and this coin is no exception. The effect of the mirrors and cameo, combined with the strike, make this an absolutely fantastic coin. It is grade 64, but I believe it should be a 65+ - there is no reason that this coin should be graded so low.