Proof Strike Proof Strike

Proof Strike

Designed by: Charles E. Barber
Issue Dates: 1892-1915
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 12.50 grams (192.90 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Proof Mintage: 17,313

Barber Halves were struck in Proof in every year of their existence, from 1892 through 1915. Mint in the first year was the highest at 1,245, after which it settled into a range of 500 to 900 coins in most years. Only in the final two years (1914 and 1915) did the mintage drop off significantly. Proof Barber halves today are generally all valued about the same, regardless of the date.

The majority of Proof Barber halves fall into the “Choice” category, with PR-62, 63 and 64 being the most frequently seen certified grades and available on the market in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. Gem PR-65s and 66s are less common though still widely available in the $2,000 to $4,000 range. Superb Gem PR-67s and 68s are scarce to rare, and command prices of $5,000 and higher.

Cameo contrast is seen on about 16% of the certified examples, with both PCGS and NGC remarkably consistent in their Cameo allocation. Deep and Ultra Cameos are around 10X scarcer, comprising only about 1.5% to 2% of the total. After 1902, the Deep and Ultra Cameos virtually vanish, due to a change in the preparation of the Proof dies at the mint. Cameos are still occasionally seen, though not as often as in the 1890s. Prices for Cameos run anywhere from 50% to 100% above non-Cameo pieces.

As the largest of the three “Barber” coins, the Proof Half is an impressive piece, especially in high grade with cameo contrast.

1892 Barber Half Dollar
1892 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 1,245
Obverse Text:

1892 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

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1893 Barber Half Dollar
1893 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 792
Obverse Text:

1893 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

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1895 Barber Half Dollar
1895 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 880
Obverse Text:

1895 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

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1896 Barber Half Dollar
1896 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 762
Obverse Text:

1896 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1897 Barber Half Dollar
1897 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 731
Obverse Text:

1897 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1898 Barber Half Dollar
1898 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 735
Obverse Text:

1898 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1899 Barber Half Dollar
1899 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 846
Obverse Text:

1899 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1900 Barber Half Dollar
1900 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 912
Obverse Text:

1900 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1901 Barber Half Dollar
1901 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 813
Obverse Text:

1901 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1902 Barber Half Dollar
1902 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 777
Obverse Text:

1902 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1903 Barber Half Dollar
1903 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 755
Obverse Text:

1903 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1904 Barber Half Dollar
1904 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 670
Obverse Text:

1904 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1905 Barber Half Dollar
1905 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 727
Obverse Text:

1905 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1906 Barber Half Dollar
1906 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 675
Obverse Text:

1906 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1907 Barber Half Dollar
1907 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 575
Obverse Text:

1907 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1908 Barber Half Dollar
1908 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 545
Obverse Text:

1908 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1909 Barber Half Dollar
1909 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 650
Obverse Text:

1909 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1910 Barber Half Dollar
1910 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 551
Obverse Text:

1910 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1911 Barber Half Dollar
1911 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 543
Obverse Text:

1911 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1912 Barber Half Dollar
1912 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 700
Obverse Text:

1912 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1913 Barber Half Dollar
1913 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 627
Obverse Text:

1913 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1914 Barber Half Dollar
1914 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 380
Obverse Text:

1914 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More
1915 Barber Half Dollar
1915 Barber Half Dollar
Proof Mintage: 450
Obverse Text:

1915 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Learn More

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