1892 O Barber Half Dollar PCGS MS62

Description

1892 O Barber Half Dollar PCGS MS62

• DESIGNER: Charles E. Barber
• EDGE: Reeded
• DIAMETER: 30.00 millimeters
• WEIGHT: 12.50 grams
• MINTAGE: 390,000
• MINT: New Orleans
• METAL: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

This is a photo of the exact 1892 O Barber Half Dollar PCGS MS62 you will receive.

The 1892 O Barber Half Dollar is a historic and collectible coin minted at the New Orleans Mint, as denoted by the “O” mint mark. This coin is part of the Barber coinage series, which was introduced in 1892 and continued through 1915, encompassing dimes, quarters, and half dollars. The series is named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, who was the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time.

Design and Artistry The obverse of the 1892 O Barber Half Dollar features a classical profile portrait of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, a laurel wreath, and a headband inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” This design reflects the neoclassical style that was prevalent in late 19th-century American coinage. The words “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear above Liberty’s head, and the date of minting is positioned below. Surrounding this are 13 stars, symbolizing the original thirteen colonies.

The reverse design showcases a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch and a bundle of arrows. This imagery represents peace and military readiness, respectively. The eagle clutches a scroll inscribed with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” in its beak. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR.”

Material and Specifications The 1892 O Barber Half Dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 12.50 grams and measuring 30.6 mm in diameter. This composition was standard for U.S. silver coins of that era, making them both durable and valuable.

Historical Context and Collectibility The introduction of the Barber Half Dollar in 1892 marked a significant transition in American coinage, moving away from the Seated Liberty designs that had dominated the mid-19th century. The New Orleans Mint’s production of the Barber Half Dollar adds a layer of historical interest, given the mint’s pivotal role in the economic development of the southern United States.

The 1892 O Barber Half Dollar holds particular appeal for collectors due to its first-year-of-issue status, which often carries a premium among numismatists. Coins minted in New Orleans are historically significant and are sought after for their unique minting characteristics and relative rarity, especially in higher grades.

Today, the 1892 O Barber Half Dollar is not just a piece of currency but a collectible artifact that offers a glimpse into America’s past, reflecting both artistic trends and historical developments of the late 19th century. Its enduring appeal lies in its rich history, classic design, and the legacy of the Barber series within American numismatics.

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