1906-S Barber Half Dollar PCGS MS64+/CAC; A Survivor of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake

Wednesday, April 18, 1906 witnessed the San Francisco earthquake along the coast of Northern California. The quake, and following fires, wiped out approximately 80% of the city of San Francisco. The US Mint at San Francisco was one of the few structures that survived both the initial earthquake and following fires, though it did have glass panes that melted and sandstone that burst. An interesting historical account of the quake and aftermath was written by Frank A. Leach, who had been Director of the San Francisco Mint at the time. Although originally published under a larger work, Bowers & Merena Galleries later released “Recollections of a Mint Director” with all relevant chapters. Given the extensive loss of coinage due to the disaster, followed by the heavy usage of any remaining coins, it is no wonder that finding gem and near-gem 1906-S half dollars is an exercise in patience and luck. This coin is fabulous and looks as nice as most MS65 coins on today’s market. The skin is thick on both sides with a satiny, steely-grey base that is circled with a medium-depth combination of green and gold on both sides. I find it stunning that quality Barber half dollars can be purchased at these price levels when, in fact, the price levels have been dictated by the overgraded, zero eye appeal coins that should be avoided at all costs. The PCGS price guide is $2,950 in MS64 and $5,100 in MS65; there is A LOT of coin for the money in this piece. $3,150.00