Barber Halves Price Disconnect Between PCGS Values and Market?

chiefbob

So I searched the Bay for some junk Barber Halves to get for near spot value. Only one out of a dozen was anywhere close to current silver spot prices.
But, I then became intrigued with the VG grades of non-junk Barbers. I had three browser windows open: grading Barber Halves, PCGS Barber price guide, and eBay listings. It seems these low grade Barbers are going, in some instances, for a lot more than the price guide.

Now I'm bidding and buying VG - F grades. I caught the Barber half fever. What do you Barberians think of the price guide vs. completed prices on eBay?
I always believe the true market price is what the majority of people will pay for a coin, regardless of price guides. Your thoughts?

Thanks,
Bob

AMRC

Operative word is "guide."

TheRaven

Definitely a guide, if you like the look of the coin, you have to just grab it.

Lowly VG coins can be hard, nicer VG-10 is very difficult to find.

Walkerguy21D

Wait 'til you start comparing various price guides vs- reality on the better date XF-AU coins....

guitarwes

<< <i>Wait 'til you start comparing various price guides vs- reality on the better date XF-AU coins.... >>



Yeah, the guides aren't even guides anymore after about VF+.

Sonorandesertrat

Barber halves were workhorse coins---extensively used. Many were later whizzed, harshly cleaned, dipped white, etc. Finding coins that are nice for their grades is a real chore. Don't expect typical price guides to reflect the reality of the marketplace where these are concerned.

KollectorKing

<< <i>Barber halves were workhorse coins---extensively used. Many were later whizzed, harshly cleaned, dipped white, etc. Finding coins that are nice for their grades is a real chore. Don't expect typical price guides to reflect the reality of the marketplace where these are concerned. >>



Like these

KollectorKing

and this

chiefbob

Thanks, guys, for all the info and insight. What started out to be a search for junk silver halves turned into a new collecting area.
I'm preferring slabbed specimens in order to avoid those whizzed, dipped, etc. problem coins.

Bob

keyman64

PCGS will adjust their price guide if you submit information to them backing up the change, such as multiple auction results etc.

LogPotato

There is no guide close for barber halves in VF or higher. Past auction results might get you close, but if it's a 58, get ready to lose your shirt.

I recently sold 75% of my collection of halves in VF. I paid strong premiums for some of the coins I had in my collection, but most I sold privately without question. Quality is everything, and the people I offered them to realized that. I was very picky in my choices.

Mid grade Barber Halves bring premiums, but only the quality ones in my experience. The VF's haven't taken off so much, but XF and AU quality coins are in very strong demand.

Barbers in G-VG are common. Guides are usually pretty good with this. Key dates above VG in good quality condition are a crap shoot. Try to find a nice problem free Fine 93-S for any guide price. 99 times out of a hundred it won't happen.

barberkeys

Like these:

TheRaven

I don't think nice VG coins are all that common.

Not nearly as common a Good or less coins.....

Cougar1978

Super quality Barbers, like the beautiful AU 58's above are not going to be anywhere near the price guide price especially in an auction or with a knowledgeable seller. There are many people seeking these to fill the holes in their collections. A friend keeps his Barber Half Dollar Collection in slab storage boxes. He has some mint state issues but that is not necessarily his goal. Having completed the set, his enjoyment of this segment of his hobby is upgrading as a coin becomes available at an affordable price.

The 1904-S (above) is one awesome coin. I would pay well over price guide to acquire it.