The
year 1892 is relatively significant in the numismatic world. After a tenure of over
five decades, Christian Gobrecht’s Liberty Seated motif was removed from the
minor silver coinage, replaced by a bust of Liberty by Chief Engraver Charles
E. Barber. It is an exceptional MS-67 (PCGS) half dollar from this inaugural
Barber issue that we offer in lot 10065 of our November 2017
Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo.
Though
it has a relatively low mintage of 934,000 coins, many 1892 Barber half dollars
were saved as souvenirs by the public who were excited about the new design.
While easily acquired up through Choice Mint State, examples become
considerably scarce in Gem condition, and superb survivors like the coin
offered in our November sale are rare. Just four coins have been certified
finer by PCGS, the pinnacle of which is a single MS-68 from the Greensboro
Collection. For Registry Set enthusiasts and collectors of outstanding U.S.
type coins, this handsome piece is a true jewel.
It
is delightfully original with sapphire and apricot iridescence at the
peripheries of each side. The focal elements are blanketed in rich mint frost
and are surrounded by satiny fields that gently cartwheel. Exceptionally well
preserved and virtually pristine, this piece is clearly among the finest
survivors from this issue.
We
are pleased to offer this stunning half dollar in Rarities Night of our November 2017 Baltimore
Auction alongside
such treasures as a Mint State 1792 Silver
Center cent from
the Cardinal Collection Educational Foundation and a Choice Mint State 1796
Stars quarter eagle from the Murray Hill Collection. Call us today at 1-800-458-4646 to
secure your copy of this catalog. Also, download our mobile app to participate via
your Android or Apple device. Email info@StacksBowers.com for more information.
