Barber Half Dollars
Private
Updated:
10/30/2025
Views: 234
The Barber coinage consists of a dime, quarter, and half dollar designed by United States Bureau of the Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. They were minted between 1892 and 1916, though no half dollars were struck in the final year of the series. By the late 1880s, there were increasing calls for the replacement of the Seated Liberty design, used since the 1830s on most denominations of silver coins. In 1891, Mint Director Edward O. Leech, having been authorized by Congress to approve coin redesigns, ordered a competition, seeking a new look for the silver coins. As only the winner would receive a cash prize, invited artists refused to participate and no entry from the public proved suitable. Leech instructed Barber to prepare new designs for the dime, quarter, and half dollar, and after the chief engraver made changes to secure Leech's endorsement, they were approved by President Benjamin Harrison in November 1891. My Great Grandmother was a proprietor of a general store and boarding house beginning in the late 1800’s, selling the store upon her retirement in 1928. She would occasionally set aside coins in better condition when finances would allow. Many of these coins were passed down to family members. As a youngster with a fascination for numismatics, I became a fortunate recipient. Most of this collection remains in old Whitman folders assembled throughout the years. My future plan includes submitting more examples for grading.
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