1914 Barber Proof Set (Dime, Quarter & Half)
P0CKETCHANGE
Posts: 2,749 ✭✭✭✭✭
I've been trying to complete this three coin set since buying the quarter and half in the same month of 2019. It took four years for a dime (that was to my liking) to surface, and I insta-bought it off eBay as soon as I saw it.
The dime is PR64, the quarter PR63 and the half PR62. All are CAC-approved, although the half wasn't when I bought it—it received the sticker in a submission recently. Here are the three amigas:
I chose 1914 because it's the lowest mintage proof year for each denomination (425, 380, and 380, respectively) and according to Coinfacts are R6.2, R6.3 and R6.3 on the PCGS Rarity scale. CAC has approved a mere 56, 62 and 42.
For all that, they remain relatively available and accessible. A great numismatic value, IMO. 
Please feel free to share any proof barbers you own (of any year).
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Comments
Beautiful proofs! I didn't know that about the low mintages, thanks for the info.
Lovely coins.
A pre 1936 proof set containing Barber coinage is going to be a future project of mine.
Very nice, the half is my favorite.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
Beautiful set @pocketchange ! The 1914 proofs, as you identified, are by far the lowest mintage, with only 380 for the quarter and half.....and so a complete set, is a really nice display! Most were cleaned back when scrubbing with lemon juice, or worse, cyanide was an acceptable numismatic practice. So to get them in original state is all the more rare. I have just the Half, in PF-67+ Here it is:
Wow! I’m normally not much of a proof guy, but there is something special about proof Barber coinage. Fantastic proof set!!! Esp love the quarter. So cool…well done.
Dave
Excellent specimens and congrats on completing your quest
Custom album maker and numismatic photographer.
Need a personalized album made? Design it on the website below and I'll build it for you.
https://www.donahuenumismatics.com/.
The ‘star’ of my 1914 proof set is this Barber 25c.
A few years ago, I was hunting for the type in proof, and found this while auction lot viewing at a show. I liked its look, and couldn’t find any significant flaws. Although not designated as cameo, I think it’s definitely right on the edge…
Later I found a similar half dollar, and decided to attempt building the set. Earlier this year I completed it (Okay, without the V-nickel) when I found the right Type Ii Buffalo nickel.
https://images.pcgs.com/cert/44636841_trueview_238463662_medium.jpg
30+ years coin shop experience (ret.) Coins, bullion, currency, scrap & interesting folks. Loved every minute!
The ‘star’ of my 1914 proof set is this Barber 25c.
A few years ago, I was hunting for the type in proof, and found this while auction lot viewing at a show. I liked its look, and couldn’t find any significant flaws. Although not designated as cameo, I think it’s definitely right on the edge…
Later I found a similar half dollar, and decided to attempt building the set. Earlier this year I completed it (Okay, without the V-nickel) when I found the right Type Ii Buffalo nickel.
https://images.pcgs.com/cert/44636841_trueview_238463662_medium.jpg
30+ years coin shop experience (ret.) Coins, bullion, currency, scrap & interesting folks. Loved every minute!
Please pardon pointless plethora of posts
30+ years coin shop experience (ret.) Coins, bullion, currency, scrap & interesting folks. Loved every minute!
Nice set of proof coins. A project like that is on my list too!
@Typekat That's a beautiful proof Barber indeed! It ain't a 1914 though.
I wonder why proof production was low in 1914. War in Europe that the US had not yet engaged? Stock market temporary closure due to such?
Anyway, a good date to pursue and I like your set! Congrats!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Oh, and first time I've seen this sticker service:
https://eyeappealseal.com/
Edit to add: Someone paid at least $100 for that sticker!
Edit 2 so as to not derail OP's thread if there is any interest in my discovery of this sticker, go here:
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1019592/a-new-sticker-added-to-the-crazy/p1
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Well, I’ve just had an Operator Error-fest today, haven’t I?
Correction: my 1913 quarter is
NOT a 1914 quarter
think i’ll quit for a while
30+ years coin shop experience (ret.) Coins, bullion, currency, scrap & interesting folks. Loved every minute!
Not quite. The seller I bought it from is the same individual who operates that stickering service.
Regardless, that is a phenomenally eye appealing 1913 Proof. I didn't mind seeing it twice
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Guth always notes in Coinfacts that the reason for the low mintages in those later years is due to the mint abandoning the cameo and deep cameo proofs of the late 1890's, and the associated lack of collector interest in "brilliant" proofs of the early 1910's.
Love proof Barbers. No surprise, a very nice set!!!
That's a great point. If you look at the PCGS % CAM or DCAM for 1892 halves, it's 29% of the total pop. For the 1914, just 4%, with no DCAMs at all.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Since you hit on one of my favorite coin sets of all time, all three 1895 Barbers.
NICE! Great set.
"When they can't find anything wrong with you, they create it!"