130
|
Half Dollars
T
IED
F
OR
F
INEST
1905-S B
ARBER
H
ALF
D
OLLAR
Enlargement
815
1905-S
.
PCGS graded MS-67
. Well struck and mostly untoned. This S-mint Barber Half is similar in overall and high-grade rarity to the Phil-
ippine Hoard dates of 1898-S, 1899-S and 1900-S. Whereas one should have little difficulty locating a well-worn example, survivors that grade
at or above Choice AU are only offered at widely spaced intervals both at large conventions and in national auctions. It would have been sig-
nificant enough had the present example graded merely Gem BU 65. We have the opportunity to offer a particularly tantalizing treat for Bar-
ber coinage connoisseurs among our bidders since this piece enjoys Superb-quality surfaces. There are no distracting abrasions on either
side. The reverse is actually overall smooth and seemingly not all that far from perfection. Well struck throughout, there is also a full endow-
ment of free-flowing frosted luster that clearly enhances an already pleasing technical quality. It is in the area of visual impact, however,
where this coin really advances to the forefront. Both sides are mainly silvery in color. A true wonder coin among Barber Halves, and a Superb
Gem that is fully justified in the 67 rating for overall standard-setting and eye appeal.
Pop 3; none finer at PCGS
. (
PCGS # 6503
)
Historic Note: Barber Halves were minted from 1892 to 1915. Barber halves largely went into circulation and stayed there, and most of the
dates are available mainly in low grades, although at the time the new Standing Liberty design for 1916 was being considered, word from the
Treasury Secretary was that half dollar use fell far behind the more workhouse daily coin, the quarter dollar. And that Barber Half Mintage had
declined in the years leading up to 1916 for this reason. Bear in mind, too, that until the 1930s, there were very few coin collectors in the
United States who bought coins by date and mint. A collector would often be happy to settle for a representative from each years mintage,
whether it be one taken from a banker’s till or a Proof bought at the Mint. For this reason, we are unsurprised that there are so few superb
1905-S Half Dollars in the PCGS census. They simply were not saved at the time of issue. Hoarding by rolls and bags and such only became
common in the 1930s and later.
Estimated Value ................................................................................................................................................................... $15,000-UP
816
1905-S
.
PCGS graded MS-64
. Light even golden toning on
both sides. The satin surfaces ripple with original luster. The
coin is Choice, naturally toned and silvery to light silver-gray.
The only contact mark appears on the one below the eagle’s
beak; Liberty’s cheek is smooth and impressive. Fully struck in
all areas with pinpoint detailing on the tips of the neck feathers
and eagle’s claws among other sharp areas.
Pop 18; 12 finer,
6 in 65, 3 in 66, 3 in 67
. (
PCGS # 6503
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$2,500 - 2,700
817
1906
.
NGC graded Proof 66+
. Fully white and boldly struck.
Only 675 struck. Brilliant ice-clear silvery mirrors from the sur-
face of this appealing Barber Half Dollar. Among the rest of the
characteristics, the coin displays clear-cut devices from having
been given a full strike by the hydraulic press used to mint Proof
coins. (Day to day circulation strike Barbers were struck using
electric motor operated presses, which produced a different
quality of impact from the dies. The regular presses were for
sustained, high speed production.)
Pop 1; 25 finer at NGC.
Estimated Value ..............................................$3,500 - 3,800
