Opinions wanted on 1914-S Barber half please.

SanctionII

Late today I stopped by a local shop. Sitting in the case is a 1914-S Barber half. It came in the shop yesterday. The owner (whose grading abilities I respect) pegged it at xf-au. It has dark toning on both sides. I looked at it in hand, in a flip without a loupe. It has decent eye appeal. I will be looking at it again with a loupe and in better lighting next week. The owner is holding it for me and wants $150.00.

I have been thinking lately of expanding my area of collecting interest to some of the 19th and early 20th century US series. Before I drop some coin on some coins, I figured I had better educate myself a little bit (if not alot).

I am sure that many forum members have experience with Barbers in general and halves in particular. Any of your thoughts on this date and mint mark and on the Barber half series in general would be appreciated. Thanks, SanctionII.

291fifth

If you don't already have one, buy a copy of the latest edition of the ANA grading guide. Use it as your guide. If the coin meets the ANA standards then buy it. If it does not, pass. The fact that the coin is original is a big plus as many, many high circ. grade Barber Halves have been cleaned or dipped.

mojorizn

My experience with Barber coinage is limited, but I have enough interest in the series to look for nice coins when a dealer has a decent inventory. I can tell you that Barbers tend to be cleaned or dipped and original coins are very hard to find!

My personal taste as far as the Barber coinage goes is this: circulated grades are the best! This series was the workhorse of the late 19th/early 20th century and I like a nice evenly worn honest coin. The design seems to improve in circulated grades and the best, most attractive (to me) grade in the F15-VF35 range.

It also helps that coins in this grade range are far more affordable, yet you still have an attractive, historical addition to your collection.

My 2 cents.

mojo

MFH

If the coin is an untampered with 14-S and it grades XF 45, then the asking price of $150 is market price. If you feel that the coinis an AU 50 coin, then you've got a bargain.

Listen to what "291fifth" mentioned. Get an official ANA grading guide. I could email you an attachment of David Lawrence's Guide Book grading pages, if you'd send me a PM with your email address; I'll have my company librarian take care of this next Tuesday.

There are a few Forum members who collect this series in VF-XF45. Get to the PCGS Barber Half Registry sets and click on a few camera icons...be prepared to drool all over your keyboard !

TomB

I have an F-VF set of Barber halves and I have to tell you that original coins are tough. My set is not complete, it is missing about 25 pieces, and the '14-S is one of those that is missing. If you do not have the patience to wait for the right coins, then this set is not for you. Also, if you expect to pay Greysheet for original, problem-free coins, then you will never get very far. Good luck.

K6AZ

Tom, I saw no mention of greysheet in the OP's post. Please enlighten us.

ARCO

If it has nice eye appeal to you and is a least a properly graded XF40, then you have a deal. I would pay $150.00 for an original XF 1914-S anyday.

I can tell you that a nice VF30 will break $100 on Ebay and an XF will approach $200.

Tyler

JJ teaparty has an XF45 (per their grading) 1914-S XF They are asking $239.00. Personally I feel it is VF35 at best.

TomB

Since K6AZ asked why I brought up the Greysheet I will explain. This was done because the dealer is asking Greysheet EF40 "ask" on the coin and, if the coin is original and properly graded, then it is a terrific buy. Since the original poster was hesitant on this deal, and since the poster asked about information before spending money on the series, I thought it was best to let them know that problem-free, attractive coins from this series are not only tough, but they routinely sell for more than Greysheet.

Cratylus

If it is accurately graded at least XF40, and if it is original and uncleaned, I would jump on $150 for the coin. I collect VF-XF Barber Halves; the coin in my set grades about VF35 and I paid $138.00 for it.

SanctionII

Thanks for your responses. Very helpful. I will do research, take a second look at the coin next week (with a loupe and good lighting) and make a decision. Whether I buy it or not, I will give an update.