Barber Half Dollar

1903 Barber Half Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS).

This endearing Gem exhibits crescents of reddish-apricot, cobalt blue and antique gold peripheral toning, the colors most expansive along the lower right obverse border. The centers are veiled in pale silvery tinting, all areas fully lustrous with a soft satin texture. Fully defined and expertly preserved, it is little wonder that this coin ranks among the finest circulation strike 1903 half dollars known to PCGS. Writing in his 1991 reference on Barber half dollars, David Lawrence sums up the significance of this offering when he describes the 1903 as: "One of the real 'sleepers' in the series. Much tougher than its mintage indicates in all grades...Where have they all gone? Nice, original lustrous specimens are extremely hard to find." Dave Bowers agrees, the comment in his 2019 Guide Book on Barber Silver Coins also providing one clue to the mystery of this issue's rarity in the finest grades: "Another high-mintage Barber half dollar of which gem-Mint State coins are rare. Interested collectors at the time ordered Proofs." A surprise condition rarity from a relatively generous mintage of 2,278,000 circulation strikes, here is an important bidding opportunity for the sharp-eyed bidder.

PCGS# 6495. NGC ID: 24MJ.

PCGS Population: 8; with a single MS-66+ finer.

Estimate: $ 7500