[The following excerpt is published courtesy of DLRC Press and its author, David Lawrence This information was originally published in 1991 in The Complete Guide to Barber Halves
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FOREWORD
This is the third and final book of the Barber series. THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BARBER QUARTERS was published in 1989 and THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BARBER DIMES was issued earlier this year.
The Barber Half series is widely collected. In lower grades (AG to VG) the set is easily assembled and quite affordable, but as the grades get higher the task becomes more formidable. In mint state, 22 of the 73 dates have an R4 rarity rating, and nice examples of some are extremely hard to find.
Barber halves were actively circulated during their time and most of the survivors were probably melted during the 1979/80 silver boom. The remaining pieces are largely found in G and VG condition If common dates, AG condition if early scarce dates. Only one of every 5 – 10,000 minted have remained in mint state to this day. In contrast, proofs were saved. Though they only numbered in the hundreds for a given year, it looks as if half are still available.
There seems to be only one true rarity — the 1892-0 micro 0 — with less than a dozen known specimens in all grades. However, quite a few dates are scarce in original AU55 condition. Also, many New Orleans dates are rare in fully struck condition.
Though neglected for many years, Barber coinage has now come of age. All three series have enjoyed considerable price appreciation for F through AU grades in the last two years and, with supply not up to demand, the trend Is likely to continue. For investors, these series offer many opportunities. If “big money” ever switches its attention from common Walking Liberty Halves and Morgan Dollars to Barbers, these coins are in for a wild ride.
DAVID LAWRENCE
Virginia Beach, Virginia
October, 1991