Design and Specifications
The Barber Silver Half Dollar, designed by Charles E. Barber, was minted from 1892 to 1915. It features Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
- Weight: 12.5 grams
- Edge: Reeded
Mint Marks and Varieties
Barber Half Dollars were minted at several locations, each identifiable by a mint mark on the reverse below the eagle.
- No Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- S: San Francisco
- O: New Orleans
- D: Denver
To find the mint mark, examine the area below the eagle's tail feathers on the reverse side.
Various Grades and Values
| Condition |
Value Range ($) |
| Good (G) |
20 - 30 |
| Fine (F) |
45 - 65 |
| Extremely Fine (XF) |
85 - 150 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) |
200 - 400 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) |
500 - 1,200 |
In Good condition, the coin shows heavy wear with major details worn smooth. Fine condition maintains clear design with moderate wear. Extremely Fine coins have light wear on the highest points. About Uncirculated coins exhibit slight traces of wear. Brilliant Uncirculated coins display no wear, maintaining full mint luster.
Collectible Varieties
- 1892-S Barber Half Dollar: $1,000 - $20,000
- 1893-S Barber Half Dollar: $500 - $10,000
The 1892-S Barber Half Dollar is highly sought after due to its limited mintage. It holds significant historical value as the first year of issue. The 1893-S also commands high interest, especially in higher grades, due to its rarity and appeal among collectors.
Error Coins
- Double Die Obverse: $200 - $2,000
- Off-Center Strike: $150 - $1,500
The Double Die Obverse error features noticeable doubling of the design on the obverse, especially in Liberty's profile and date. Off-Center Strikes occur when the coin is not properly aligned during minting, resulting in an incomplete design. Both errors are rare and enhance the coin's collectible value.
Melt Value
To calculate the melt value of Barber Silver Half Dollars, multiply the silver content by the current market price of silver. Each coin contains 0.36169 troy ounces of silver. Thus, for $10 FV (20 coins), the total silver content is 7.2338 troy ounces. If the market price of silver is $25 per troy ounce, the melt value would be approximately $180.85. This value is significant for investors, but collectors often pay premiums above melt value for coins in higher conditions or with rare features.
$10 Bankroll Barber Silver Half Dollars Auctions
Additional $10 FV Barber Silver Half Dollars Specifications
| Weight |
7.15 oz |
| Country |
United States |
| Type |
Silver Coin |
| Mint |
US Mint |
| Purity |
.900 fineness |
