Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 12/9/2024: Gold $2645 | Silver $31.20


Barber Half Dollar Value

Common date and lower grade Barber half dollars rise and fall with silver, currently 12/9/2024 each is worth $17.67 . Early and rare date Barber half dollar value is solid to rising. Collector quality coins are always in demand. A step by step method is used to identify higher value date and mintmark combinations. Additionally, how to grade and recognize quality condition coins is Step 2 below.

Barber Half Dollar in High Grade and Value

Steps Leading to Value:

  • Step 1: Date and Mintmark Variety - Collected by date and mintmarks, identify the high-end half dollars.
  • Step 2: Grading Condition - Special attention is given to condition. Images and descriptions help judge the grade of your coin.
  • Step 3: Special Qualities - Bullion quality or Collector quality, how to recognize the special coins.

The value chart highlights the special coins and their value. Follow the steps to identify the value of your coin.

Barber Half Dollar Value
1892 to 1915
 Condition of Coin
DateGoodFineExtremely
Fine
Mint
State
  Barber Half Dollar Value Updated 12/9/2024
1892 $24.96 $67 $170 $356
1892 O $190 $471 $566 $928
1892 S $171 $266 $512 $1,104
1893 $22.41 $62 $192 $465
1893 O $38 $142 $261 $547
1893 S $112 $389 $903 $1,596
1894 $32 $101 $182 $417
1894 O $22.41 $89 $220 $552
1894 S $20.59 $77 $195 $708
1895 $20.59 $79 $183 $447
1895 O $35 $112 $305 $910
1895 S $35 $170 $372 $868
1896 $22.41 $98 $223 $498
1896 O $52 $161 $1,414 Rare
1896 S $91 $285 $945 Rare
1897 $19.50 $63 $171 $422
1897 O $116 $336 $1,001 Rare
1897 S $124 $231 $771 $1,696
1898 $18.58 $50 $184 $456
1898 O $31 $216 $612 Rare
1898 S $25 $72 $276 $901
1899 $18.58 $44 $178 $422
1899 O $24.96 $83 $200 $963
1899 S $22.41 $108 $202 $936
1900 $18.58 $44 $185 $430
1900 O $18.58 $75 $311 Rare
1900 S $17.67 $73 $189 $987
1901 $18.58 $44 $146 $429
1901 O $18.58 $119 $723 Rare
1901 S $55 $236 $872 Rare
1902 $17.67 $43 $159 $458
1902 O $18.58 $67 $229 Rare
1902 S $19.50 $95 $386 Rare
1903 $17.67 $49 $186 $480
1903 O $18.58 $50 $206 Rare
1903 S $18.58 $60 $234 $772
1904 $18.58 $44 $177 $413
1904 O $20.59 $116 $364 Rare
1904 S $49 $292 $2,356 Rare
1905 $24.96 $125 $362 Rare
1905 O $22 $214 $380 $861
1905 S $18.58 $68 $197 $725
1906 $17.67 $43 $167 $428
1906 D $17.67 $56 $160 $403
1906 O $17.67 $49 $173 Rare
1906 S $17.67 $72 $178 $641
1907 $17.67 $43 $173 $373
1907 D $17.67 $43 $182 $362
1907 O $17.67 $52 $173 $417
1907 S $18.58 $91 $440 Rare
1908 $17.67 $46 $174 $411
1908 D $17.67 $42 $159 $451
1908 O $17.67 $43 $150 $449
1908 S $18.58 $61 $257 $1,029
1909 $17.67 $43 $186 $407
1909 O $19.50 $66 $391 $840
1909 S $17.67 $43 $213 $617
1910 $20.59 $88 $262 $517
1910 S $18.58 $53 $196 $930
1911 $17.67 $45 $171 $417
1911 D $17.67 $50 $189 $401
1911 S $18.58 $49 $240 $776
1912 $17.67 $43 $174 $466
1912 D $17.67 $43 $165 $424
1912 S $17.67 $52 $188 $550
1913 $53 $200 $739 $1,223
1913 D $19.50 $50 $228 $459
1913 S $20.59 $76 $266 $685
1914 $89 $328 $775 $1,156
1914 S $18.58 $49 $186 $665
1915 $66 $183 $429 $1,173
1915 D $18.58 $43 $168 $401
1915 S $17.67 $45 $164 $422

The above are wholesale Barber half dollar value. Computed from dealer's price lists with various mark-up factors figured in. They reflect closely the value you would expect to receive when selling.

Variations do occur subject to subtle grading points; collector demands and dealer needs.

Step 1: | Date and Mintmark Combinations are Identified

Barber half dollars, named after the designer, Charles E. Barber are the scarce issues of the Barber series of coins. Barber dimes and quarters (also designed by Charles E. Barber) are in comparison, less scarce. These half dollars minted 1892 to 1915 feature the strong profile of Liberty wearing a liberty cap with laurel wreath. Holding the cap is a ribbon inscribed "Liberty". A reverse similar to the dimes and quarters displays an eagle bearing the US shield - symbol representing Congress. Thirteen arrows in the left claw and olive branch in right are symbols of security and peace.

Four mints played an important role in supplying the nation with half dollars. Philadelphia and San Francisco striking Barber halves each year of the series. New Orleans and Denver contributed also in lesser amounts. A significant difference in value is found in recognition of the mint and numbers minted.

"S" Mintmark: San Francisco Mint

San Francisco Mint Barber Half Dollar

San Francisco mint struck the second largest amount of Barber halves. Each year of the series San Francisco produced as least 500,000 halves, totaling over 37 million. Many of these branch mints coins are available in circulated and mint state grades and wide range in values. Significant years are the early 1890's few were saved in any condition.

On the reverse the "S" mintmark of San Francisco is under the tail feathers.

"O" Mintmark: New Orleans Mint

New Orleans Mint Barber Half Dollar

New Orleans help launch the Barber half dollars series striking 390,000 in 1892. This initial year is now a very scarce coin, worth in the hundreds of dollars. New Orleans continued striking halves each year until 1909. Total production just over 31 million halves. Second lowest mintage New Orleans half dollar is 1905 505,000 pieces and affordable.

New Orleans placed an "O" mintmark under the eagle on the reverse. Note: Careful examination is needed; the "D" of Denver is similar in appearance.

"D" Mintmark: Denver Mint

Denver Mint Barber Half Dollar

Denver was a new mint in 1906, with a focus on silver and gold issues. It started strong with over 4 million Barber halves, striking the largest total of all mints in 1906. Its production was sporadic, and missing years 1909, 1910, and 1914 until the end of the series. It finished with the lowest total of all mints; 15.8 million halves struck. Today these are available in low grades and become collectible in Fine and above.

A "D" under the tail feathers of the eagle on the reverse identifies the Denver mint coinage. Note: Look closely, the "O" of New Orleans mint is similar. Years 1906, 1907, and 1908 both mints struck half dollars.

No Mintmark: Philadelphia Mint

Philadelphia Mint Barber Half Dollar

Philadelphia is the original mint of the US. Over 55 million Barber halve were struck by Philadelphia, largest number of any mint. Stand-out dates are interestingly the last years; 1913, 1914, and 1915. Mintages were low, less than 200,000 each year, and low numbers available today.

During the Barber half dollar series, the Philadelphia mint did not use a mintmark. No mintmark in the area below the tail feathers of the eagle and above "DO" in Dollar is a coin struck at Philadelphia.

Step 2: | Judging Condition Determines Grade | Narrows Value

Searching through your coins for rare dates and rare mintmarks occasionally yields results. However, don't over-look the impact "condition" has on your Barber half dollar value. Collectors and dealers first evaluate the state of preservation of a coin, assign a "Grade" and then use this to help determine value.

Grading Set Barber Half Dollars Mint State, Extremely Fine, Fine, and Good Grades

Barber Half Dollar Value is Conditional

On the obverse look closely at the headband. All the letters to LIBERTY showing separates a coin in "Fine" condition from a coin in the lower "Good" grade. Hopefully at least one or two of your coins are crisp and sharp in all details reaching to "Extremely Fine" or better condition.

Compare your Barber Halves to the grading images below.

Mint State Grade: Barber Half Dollar

Obverse View: Mint State Grade Barber Half Dollar

Obverse: Features Identifying Mint State Grade: To qualify as Mint State grade; no wear is seen on the surface of the coin. High areas and open areas are inspected to determine if a coin has circulated and received any loss of metal.

Liberty's cheek line - an open area - remains covered with original luster. From the chin to ear the surface is a consistent texture.

Fine lines of hair are just above Liberty's eye and prone to wear. All hair curls and waves remain without any dullness caused by wear.

The Liberty cap features a large fold and just above the cap remains with a luster and texture matching the rest of the cap.

Reverse View: Mint State Grade Barber Half Dollar

Reverse: Features Identifying Mint State Grade: Mint luster is a delicate surface allowing a coin to shine and shimmer in light. This fine grain surface shows wear by a smoothness and dulling to the surface. Judging areas prone to wear determines the Mint State condition. Many fine details are present in the eagle central to the reverse.

Wear occurs first towards the center of a coin. Inspect the neck feathers just above the shield. These small details remain with a texture similar to texture deep within the details of the wings.

Along the top edges of both wings no evidence of smoothing to the metal is evident. Continue to the very tips of the wings as you judge for wear.

Look closely at the fine details found in the tail feathers. No smooth spots are evident and a nice texture of luster remains.

Extremely Fine Grade: Barber Half Dollar

Obverse View: Extremely Fine Grade Barber Half Dollar

Obverse: Features Identifying Extremely Fine Grade: An Extremely Fine Grade Barber half displays just minor wear. This wear is confined to just the tops and small areas of the design.

A universal marker defining the grade is all letters of "Liberty" are clearly visible on the head band just above the forehead.

Also important is a bold edge to the ribbon displaying the letters of "Liberty". Both top and bottom edges remain complete along their length. Note: due to striking differences the bottom edge is often faint below the letters "E and R". If the lower band is weak below "ER" the rest of the surfaces must present as Extremely Fine in condition.

Laure leaves tied with a ribbon are bold, wear is evident but flattening is only at the ends. Edges of leaves are bold and well defined, separate of hair.

Reverse View: Extremely Fine Grade Barber Half Dollar

Reverse: Features Identifying Extremely Fine Grade: A bold eagle remains, large amounts of detail represent feathers, and distinct claws are holding an olive branch and arrows.

Wear is showing on the Eagle's neck feathers. Flatness is confined to just two small disconnected areas at the top of the neck contour.

Alone the upper edges of the outstretched wings are areas of flat metal extending from the shield to wing tips. The majority of flatness is along the upper edge.

Feathers are clearly defined with no merging of feather lines.

Claws remain with the majority of their contours defining the leg from the claw.

Looking closely at the arrow shafts, all are separated from claw to arrow points.

Fine Grade: Barber Half Dollar

Obverse View: Fine Grade Barber Half Dollar

Obverse: Features Identifying the Fine Grade: Moderate wear is visible over entire surface. Major details remain; however, many finer lines and features are worn smooth.

Identifying the Fine grade is all letters of "Liberty" in the headband visible. Bottoms of letters are faded in places, notably "E and R".

Liberty's hair line below the ribbon is smooth with a few strands of hair visible.

Upper laurel leaves are well defined with distinct edges. No merging with the cap

Lower laurel leaves have just begun to merge with Liberty's temple area and hair above eye brow.

Flatness to her cheek is minor. A bold separation remains from neck to cheek.

Reverse View: Fine Grade Barber Half Dollar

Reverse: Features Identifying the Fine Grade: Wear has reduced the eagle design with most wear towards the outer edges. Central areas of the eagle are well detailed.

Notice a continuous smooth zone from the head of the eagle to the shield. This flat spot only involves the central part of the neck leaving a raised contour to the field of the coin.

Wings are smooth towards the tips of wings with many feather details near the shield.

Horizontal lines within shield are weak or missing, especially along the top and right corner.

Minor blending of arrow shafts is seen.

Good Grade: Barber Half Dollar

Obverse View: Good Grade Barber Half Dollar

Obverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: A strong portrait of Liberty remains, well outlined and bold from the field.

Letters of "Liberty" and the headband are now smooth and continuous with forehead.

A few traces of leaves are visible above the ear.

Stars are complete and raised from the field. Rim is separated from stars.

Letters of legend are complete with fading only near the rim.

Reverse View: Good Grade Barber Half Dollar

Reverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: Good grade Barber halves are well detailed on the reverse. Fading and blending of design elements is minimal.

A fully outlined eagle remains. Wing tips are clearly defined and separate of rim.

Lettering along the rim is mostly clear with only minor fading.

Rim is defined in most areas and merging with letters is confined to tops of letters only.

How to Video: Grading Barber Half Dollars

Grading a coin is not an exact science. It is your opinion, dealers and collectors have their own opinions... and they can all differ slightly.

Video and Descriptions | Grading Barber Half Dollars

Close-up images plus descriptions help judge and narrow the grade of Barber half dollars. Condition is key in discovering market potential and value.

Step 3: | Special Qualities Enhancing Barber Half Dollar Value

Keeping in mind the heavy silver content of these half dollars and a premium because of availability, there is a solid base value to these coins. All Barber halves are worth well above face value. However; many still trade based on movements in the price of silver. It is the lower condition coins and common date and mintmark combinations, still available in quantities, that go up and down with the swings of silver. Current as of 12/9/2024 a bullion quality Barber half is worth $17.67 .

Collector Quality and Bullion Quality Barber Half Dollars

Breaking away from base silver value are coins in pleasing collector quality. A distinct difference in the aesthetic appeal is found in Barber halves grading Fine or better. Wear is moderate in Fine grade leaving many subtle details of the design visible. Completeness of the laurel leaves and lettering in the headband gives the obverse an overall pleasing appearance. In Fine and better quality, the eagle on the reverse is well detailed and sharp.

Every Barber half dollar is valued well above the movements of silver bullion in Fine grade. Key points to recognize are defined edges to laurel leaves around Liberty's ear. Letters within the headband must show, although faint "Liberty" is readable, usually the "BER" is faded. Clearly visible lettering is a solid collector quality Barber half dollar, scarce and highly valued.

References

US Mint. 1948 US Mint Annual Report. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/339
US Mint. Catalogue of Coins of the United States. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/554591

Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles

Date by Date
In Depth Barber Half Dollar Values
1892 to 1915

Many outside factors contribute to your Barber Half dollar value. A popular series year after year, seasoned collectors are always improving their holdings. New collectors arriving, all leads to demand and higher values. Your old coins continue to gain in value. Check back here to stay current.

Visit...  Half Dollar Value for Bust, Seated Liberty, Walking Liberty and Franklin Half Dollars

More Half Dollar Value Charts

Discover the value of all your old half dollars. From the very first Bust half dollars to Seated Liberty to Barber halves. Continue to the Walking Liberty and Franklin Half dollars. Compare your coins to the "Grading Images" and find their accurate value on the charts.

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Scarce half dollars occasionally show up in a box of old coins. Any dated before 1965 is a silver coin and premium value. Rare dates are concentrated in the early years, those minted before 1892. Twentieth century half dollars are popular with a few very rare dates.

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Many of your old US silver coin values are tied closely to the price of silver. Silver dimes, quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars are all heavy with 90% silver and worth many times their face value. With today's high price of silver your old coins are becoming surprisingly valuable.

Coin Value Guide | How to Value a Coin Collection

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Selling Coins Overview

Understanding value of your Barber half dollars is a great first step to successfully selling these coins. Resources helping find markets is the next step.

The Forgotten Silver Kennedy Half Dollars

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Value charts and steps to determine values of more coin series.

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All old US coin values. It is an excellent index with images and text links to all coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, grading images and a step by step procedure uncovers how much your box of old coins is worth.

Print the Coin Values Worksheet to list your Barber half dollars and record their values. Should you decide to sell... use the worksheet as an invoice and packing slip when sending coins through the mail to dealers. It indicates you have done your coin values homework.