Mark - I encourage you to put together a raw half set. I don't think I ever enjoyed looking for coins more than when I was filling the holes in my raw set.
Craig - When it comes to rarity, nothing in the barber series (ok, maybe the micro O half) can compare with those CC's. No wonder prices are high, with room to go higher IMO.
Pics for this AM, from Paesan's Stash, PC58:
Vern l It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Vern- I have only owned 1 barber half in my days and it was a NGC 58 that caused a little stir upon my first few days on this board. Do some reason the halves just don't appeal to me like the quarters and dimes. Maybe it's because I haven't spent alot of time looking at them or something. I do believe that would be fun tho and maybe something I could do with my son as he is interested.
Jeff- nice 04-S dime. It's surprisingly hard to find (nice) examples above VF that aren't dogs IMO.
Happy to announce that I'll be attending the Baltimore show on Thursday and Friday in early November. Looking forward to seeing old friends and making some new ones.
Lenny- Good for you; I wish I were joining you. I'm too busy to have fun this fall.
I've seen Darrell post here and there, but he hasn't been making many appearances on this thread. I think there's bee too much chatter on nickels, dimes, and quarters- he's a half guy only.
Here's a copuple of 1894 Barber Half Dollars, first my PC AU 58:
I purchased this in an ICG MS 62 holder and submitted it raw. It came back as a 58. For whatever reason this is a tough Philadelphia coin in 55/58 (similar to the '03).
Next a raw 1994 Half I purchased on eBay several years ago:
Yep, that one's a fake. Obviously I returned it for a refund, but I snapped a few photos first.
Originally posted by: paesan Happy to announce that I'll be attending the Baltimore show on Thursday and Friday in early November. Looking forward to seeing old friends and making some new ones.
Anybody hear from Darrell?
Paesan
I'll be there also and can't wait. I missed the last 3
Jeff, that is a pretty bad counterfeit! Did you try to negotiate a price? I have a stack of them.
I just sent the coin back for a refund; I really don't have any desire to spend $$ on fakes. Are you planning a trip to China someday to sell the fakes?
Jeff, that is a pretty bad counterfeit! Did you try to negotiate a price? I have a stack of them.
I just sent the coin back for a refund; I really don't have any desire to spend $$ on fakes. Are you planning a trip to China someday to sell the fakes?
Happy to announce that I'll be attending the Baltimore show on Thursday and Friday in early November. Looking forward to seeing old friends and making some new ones.
Anybody hear from Darrell?
Paesan
I'll be there also and can't wait. I missed the last 3
Here's another coin I picked up in trade last week, a 1904 S Barber Dime graded PC XF 45:
Unfortunately I rushed the photos before polishing the slabs to remove the scratches.
I spent Sunday polishing the slabs from my recent trade; I received 7 coins for 2 of mine. Vern mentioned the 1904 S looks better than a XF 45; here it is through clean plastic:
The coin looks MUCH better now. I agree with Vern that it looks under graded. I think it should be in a 53 or 55 holder. I'm tempted to crack it out and resubmit; thoughts? Is something holding it back?
Jeff, I think it has just a few too many scratches if they are as apparent in your pictures. Not saying it is not worth a shot! If it comes back details scratched crack and send again!
I'm sorry to say that I won't be joining you guys in Baltimore. It sounds like a great show.
Yorkshireman - I do not collect proof Barber coins. I know the mintages are low, but I think I'm with Jeff with his comments. It is just a personal preference with no disrespect intended.
Milo
*****
What?!?! No Barber quarters in the mail today!?!? ... "heavy sigh" ...
Do any of you diehard Barber collectors collect proofs?
I am becoming more and more interested in them.
I have several Proof Halves, but they don't seem to excite me. They kid of look like medallions rather than tools of commerce to me.
That is a very good point, Jeff.
The commerce issue is why I starting wanting to buy AU coins.
However, I want to upgrade / take my collection to the next level.
Many proofs seem more eye appealing to me that high end MS coins and they are more affordable.
That could be lack of demand. Thoughts?
Now you have a good point. I like the Proofs better than the MS coins as well for the $$. Most of my Barber coins are AU for a reason, but proofs have their charm as well. Maybe a set of AU and Proofs is the way to go?? Takes Everyman to a new level??
Never owned a Barber proof coin, but FWIW I agree with Jeff and his "medallion" observation. That said, I can always appreciate how amazingly struck most proof coinage is. Many of the Barber halves are beautifully hammered to my eyes. Cameos are pretty cool to my eyes as well.
Been a long time since I posted a coin here. Here's one of the truly tough coins in 58 in the quarter series as has been discussed here before. My crappy pics seem to highlight the fact that the holder badly needs a date with PlasticX one of these days. I don't have many blast white coins in my collection but this one has enough hint of rim color to keep me interested, plus its about as lustrous as Id imagine an AU graded coin can possibly get.
PC/CAC 58 Ex: SAM (Scott if your still out there I hope you're well!)
Always looking for tougher PSA 10's of Nolan Arenado, Alex Bregman, Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor, and Mike Trout.
Originally posted by: Yorkshireman Do any of you diehard Barber collectors collect proofs? I am becoming more and more interested in them.
I have been slowly putting together a Proof Dime set - nothing outrageous - mid graded coins - still have lots of holes to fill. I have 9 out of the 24 issued.
When a good friend told me about the 1892 Ty 1 Quarter Proofs, I had to find one...which I finally did and it's a honey ( odd OBV toning but the REV is breathtaking ). It's a PCGS 65+ almost a full CAM.
As a matter of fact, the REV image is my screen saver on my Lap Top.
These images don't do the coin justice !
I spotted an amazing Proof Half in the upcoming Heritage auction. I think it's one of the nicest proof Halves I have seen. Problem is, Proof 66 Halves are too rich for my blood.
Edit to add:
JT - nice seeing you post - hope you've been well. Very nice 07-S Quarter and exactly what I've been looking for - nice orig. surfaces - good luster - minimally worn ( AU 58 ) - perfect !!
No Baltimore for me - the "kids" are keeping me busy - no longer running off to shows around the country. I'll be happy to just make it to FUN in Ft Lauderdale !!
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
Yorkshireman - Not a proof collector myself, but think they would make a nice set to collect. IMO, supply and demand is what keeps proofs less expensive than MS barbers.
JT - Good to see you post. Remember your (from Scott) 07-S. Tons of luster.
Mike - really like the rev on your '92 proof.
Pics for this AM, a couple of 58's that belonged to Scott:
Vern l It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Vern- nice shot of that 15-S. I guess I missed the sake of Scott's hoard. I hope everything is well with him. He messaged me a while back while I was not collecting to see if he could buy back that 1905-O in Pcgs 40 but when I replied i never heard anything else from him.
I couldn't tell by images alone if this would end up in a graded holder, or not. My "YN" - says I've wasted my money - maybe he's right - but I want it in hand before I decide to keep it - send it to our hosts - and eventually to CAC ... OR... send it back....
The toning really intrigues me...
Opinions are always welcomed.
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
I wanted to say how much I've enjoyed seeing the coins you've posted, Vern. ... the first two came from Scott's collection - I assume ?
Paesan's also has a wonderful look to it as well.
I wanted to mention - that my new 07-O Quarter was an impulse purchase strictly due to the coloration ... the one in my Registry set - is an AU 58 & CAC:
Mike Hayes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
Bad photos (way too much contrast) but my guess is it's a coin that will grade (very high).
The toning looks authentic to me. About 5 seconds with the right light and a 5X loupe would tell me if it's cleaned. Well worth the trouble in my opinion. Just don't fall in love with hope- a lesson I learned the hard way....
Before I present the topic of my post, to prevent all the Barber lovers from seeking my head on a pole, let me immediately add that:
1) Although I do not collect them, I LIKE Barbers. I think when they are pretty, they are exquisite.
2) I have not looked through all 100 odd pages of this thread, so I don't know if this was posted before.
OK, I think I'm safe now. So, what do I want to post? Two little clippings I found in old newspapers about the initial opinion of Barber's design. Start with a June 30, 1892 note from the Bossier Banner (in Louisiana), June 30, 1892:
Mother: You have already disbursed (spent) all of the present your uncle gave you.
Small daughter: I know, mother, but the money was all in new coins and the designs are so inartistic that I disliked to retain them in my possession.
and follow that with a note from the Hickman Courier (in Kentucky), January 15, 1892:
There is a great deal of criticism of the new coins and the designs thereon. Says one critic: “The design of the new coins is hideous and inartistic. The eagle is neither the ‘expanded eagle’ of heraldry nor a tolerable representation of the imperial bird itself. The wings are absurdly small, and the position ill-drawn and ungraceful. The head of Liberty (who should be typified as a virgin) is from the Apollo Belvidere, and is furnished with a neck like a Durham bull.”
I think it's safe to say that our enjoyment of Barber's design was not universally shared...
Thanks for posting the quotes; I haven't seen them posted here before.
I think all of us Barber collectors are well aware that the designs were not well received by the general public when first released, and they haven't gained a lot more popularity since.
I personally have never understood it, I like the design. Admittedly the portrait on the obverse of the coin is far from attractive, but is the Morgan $ better?
Originally posted by: Mark Before I present the topic of my post, to prevent all the Barber lovers from seeking my head on a pole, let me immediately add that:
1) Although I do not collect them, I LIKE Barbers. I think when they are pretty, they are exquisite. 2) I have not looked through all 100 odd pages of this thread, so I don't know if this was posted before.
OK, I think I'm safe now. So, what do I want to post? Two little clippings I found in old newspapers about the initial opinion of Barber's design. Start with a June 30, 1892 note from the Bossier Banner (in Louisiana), June 30, 1892: Mother: You have already disbursed (spent) all of the present your uncle gave you. Small daughter: I know, mother, but the money was all in new coins and the designs are so inartistic that I disliked to retain them in my possession.
and follow that with a note from the Hickman Courier (in Kentucky), January 15, 1892: There is a great deal of criticism of the new coins and the designs thereon. Says one critic: “The design of the new coins is hideous and inartistic. The eagle is neither the ‘expanded eagle’ of heraldry nor a tolerable representation of the imperial bird itself. The wings are absurdly small, and the position ill-drawn and ungraceful. The head of Liberty (who should be typified as a virgin) is from the Apollo Belvidere, and is furnished with a neck like a Durham bull.”
I think it's safe to say that our enjoyment of Barber's design was not universally shared...
Mark- very interesting stuff sir. Thanks for sharing with us
In my opinion the barber design is not the prettiest design but when you have a beautifully toned barber its the best.
Interesting comments from 1892. I wonder what they would think of our current designs? Maybe it's just a case of disdain for what is current (human nature). Not too much love for what is in use today by the current populace. I find the Barber design so interesting because they were such a workhorse of commerce in their day. The stories they could tell. No credit or debit. Just coin purses held close to the vest as one pondered how to allocate their hard-won Barbers. One of the pleasures of coin collecting is the variety of tastes throughout the hobby. I personally view the Morgan dollar with little interest. Too many out there and the AT coins seem to be taking over the series. But again to each his own. Thanks again for sharing the blasts from the past Mark.
Last April I submittied 11 PC AU 58 Barber Halves on the + upgrade only tier. I thought all of these were wothy of a plus upgrade, but I might be prejudiced. The coins were graded at the Regular tier; 8 with a coupon for my annual renewal and 3 paid. They were graded within 2 days; none received a "plus" upgrade. Yep, 0 for 11.
I know not all of my 58's are great, but I sure thought this batch was. I thought it would be interesting (to me) to post photos of the eleven coins and receive opinions from the crowd as to why they think the coin may not have received a plus grade. Any and all opinions are appreciated!
First up, an 1892 O PC 58:
Although not readiny apparent from the photos this coin has nice Proof Like surfaces.
Comments
Craig - When it comes to rarity, nothing in the barber series (ok, maybe the micro O half) can compare with those CC's. No wonder prices are high, with room to go higher IMO.
Pics for this AM, from Paesan's Stash, PC58:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Unfortunately I rushed the photos before polishing the slabs to remove the scratches.
Jeff- nice 04-S dime. It's surprisingly hard to find (nice) examples above VF that aren't dogs IMO.
Hoard the keys
Not a beauty queen, but it does have an old crusty charm to it.
I'd better get crackin' if Jeff's after Dimes...
I still need a few 58's... here are two newps I got tonight...
1901
1911
These two are off to CAC upon arrival...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
Mike: The 11 plain dime looks very nice.
Jim
Mark - Raw qtrs or dimes would provide the same kind of fun. And a tremendous bonus if your son has interest.
Mike - Congrats on the newps. Just my kind of look on the '11.
Jim - Thanks.
Pics for this AM, from Jim's collection, PC45:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Anybody hear from Darrell?
Paesan
I've seen Darrell post here and there, but he hasn't been making many appearances on this thread. I think there's bee too much chatter on nickels, dimes, and quarters- he's a half guy only.
Here's a copuple of 1894 Barber Half Dollars, first my PC AU 58:
I purchased this in an ICG MS 62 holder and submitted it raw. It came back as a 58. For whatever reason this is a tough Philadelphia coin in 55/58 (similar to the '03).
Next a raw 1994 Half I purchased on eBay several years ago:
Yep, that one's a fake. Obviously I returned it for a refund, but I snapped a few photos first.
Lenny, glad to hear you will be in Baltimore. Pretty sure my table number is 360 but they haven't posted the list yet.
Jeff, that is a pretty bad counterfeit! Did you try to negotiate a price? I have a stack of them.
Happy to announce that I'll be attending the Baltimore show on Thursday and Friday in early November. Looking forward to seeing old friends and making some new ones.
Anybody hear from Darrell?
Paesan
I'll be there also and can't wait. I missed the last 3
Hoard the keys
Jeff, that is a pretty bad counterfeit! Did you try to negotiate a price? I have a stack of them.
I just sent the coin back for a refund; I really don't have any desire to spend $$ on fakes. Are you planning a trip to China someday to sell the fakes?
Jeff, that is a pretty bad counterfeit! Did you try to negotiate a price? I have a stack of them.
I just sent the coin back for a refund; I really don't have any desire to spend $$ on fakes. Are you planning a trip to China someday to sell the fakes?
LOL! I don't pay much for them!
Happy to announce that I'll be attending the Baltimore show on Thursday and Friday in early November. Looking forward to seeing old friends and making some new ones.
Anybody hear from Darrell?
Paesan
I'll be there also and can't wait. I missed the last 3
Stop by and introduce yourself!
Jim.
Here's another coin I picked up in trade last week, a 1904 S Barber Dime graded PC XF 45:
Unfortunately I rushed the photos before polishing the slabs to remove the scratches.
I spent Sunday polishing the slabs from my recent trade; I received 7 coins for 2 of mine. Vern mentioned the 1904 S looks better than a XF 45; here it is through clean plastic:
The coin looks MUCH better now. I agree with Vern that it looks under graded. I think it should be in a 53 or 55 holder. I'm tempted to crack it out and resubmit; thoughts? Is something holding it back?
I am becoming more and more interested in them.
Do any of you diehard Barber collectors collect proofs?
I am becoming more and more interested in them.
I have several Proof Halves, but they don't seem to excite me. They kid of look like medallions rather than tools of commerce to me.
Yorkshireman - I do not collect proof Barber coins. I know the mintages are low, but I think I'm with Jeff with his comments. It is just a personal preference with no disrespect intended.
*****
What?!?! No Barber quarters in the mail today!?!? ... "heavy sigh" ...
Do any of you diehard Barber collectors collect proofs?
I am becoming more and more interested in them.
I have several Proof Halves, but they don't seem to excite me. They kid of look like medallions rather than tools of commerce to me.
That is a very good point, Jeff.
The commerce issue is why I starting wanting to buy AU coins.
However, I want to upgrade / take my collection to the next level.
Many proofs seem more eye appealing to me that high end MS coins and they are more affordable.
That could be lack of demand. Thoughts?
Do any of you diehard Barber collectors collect proofs?
I am becoming more and more interested in them.
I have several Proof Halves, but they don't seem to excite me. They kid of look like medallions rather than tools of commerce to me.
That is a very good point, Jeff.
The commerce issue is why I starting wanting to buy AU coins.
However, I want to upgrade / take my collection to the next level.
Many proofs seem more eye appealing to me that high end MS coins and they are more affordable.
That could be lack of demand. Thoughts?
Now you have a good point. I like the Proofs better than the MS coins as well for the $$. Most of my Barber coins are AU for a reason, but proofs have their charm as well. Maybe a set of AU and Proofs is the way to go?? Takes Everyman to a new level??
Been a long time since I posted a coin here. Here's one of the truly tough coins in 58 in the quarter series as has been discussed here before. My crappy pics seem to highlight the fact that the holder badly needs a date with PlasticX one of these days. I don't have many blast white coins in my collection but this one has enough hint of rim color to keep me interested, plus its about as lustrous as Id imagine an AU graded coin can possibly get.
PC/CAC 58 Ex: SAM (Scott if your still out there I hope you're well!)
Always looking for tougher PSA 10's of Nolan Arenado, Alex Bregman, Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor, and Mike Trout.
JT- Wow what a magnificent 07-S. I've yet to find one for sale.
Hoard the keys
Do any of you diehard Barber collectors collect proofs?
I am becoming more and more interested in them.
I have been slowly putting together a Proof Dime set - nothing
outrageous - mid graded coins - still have lots of holes to fill.
I have 9 out of the 24 issued.
When a good friend told me about the 1892 Ty 1 Quarter Proofs,
I had to find one...which I finally did and it's a honey ( odd OBV
toning but the REV is breathtaking ). It's a PCGS 65+ almost a full CAM.
As a matter of fact, the REV image is my screen saver on my Lap Top.
These images don't do the coin justice !
I spotted an amazing Proof Half in the upcoming Heritage auction.
I think it's one of the nicest proof Halves I have seen. Problem is,
Proof 66 Halves are too rich for my blood.
Edit to add:
JT - nice seeing you post - hope you've been well. Very nice
07-S Quarter and exactly what I've been looking for - nice orig.
surfaces - good luster - minimally worn ( AU 58 ) - perfect !!
No Baltimore for me - the "kids" are keeping me busy - no longer
running off to shows around the country. I'll be happy to just make
it to FUN in Ft Lauderdale !!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
Do any of you diehard Barber collectors collect proofs?
I am becoming more and more interested in them.
These images don't do the coin justice !
Get better images then. Oh wait.
Disclaimer: These are straight from camera and cropped, not cleaned up of glare yet. That will come when I have more time.
Yorkshireman - Not a proof collector myself, but think they would make a nice set to collect. IMO, supply and demand is what keeps proofs less expensive than MS barbers.
JT - Good to see you post. Remember your (from Scott) 07-S. Tons of luster.
Mike - really like the rev on your '92 proof.
Pics for this AM, a couple of 58's that belonged to Scott:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
I agree, Paesan, I miss Scott as well.
He was certainly smitten with the series !!
( Understatement ).
Did he save his coins or sell them off ? I forgot !
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
Pics for this AM, from Paesan's Stash, PC53:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
Hoard the keys
I couldn't tell by images alone if this would end up in a graded holder, or not.
My "YN" - says I've wasted my money - maybe he's right - but I want it in hand
before I decide to keep it - send it to our hosts - and eventually to CAC ... OR...
send it back....
The toning really intrigues me...
Opinions are always welcomed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
I wanted to say how much I've enjoyed seeing the coins you've posted, Vern.
... the first two came from Scott's collection - I assume ?
Paesan's also has a wonderful look to it as well.
I wanted to mention - that my new 07-O Quarter was an impulse purchase
strictly due to the coloration ... the one in my Registry set - is an AU 58 & CAC:
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
The toning looks authentic to me. About 5 seconds with the right light and a 5X loupe would tell me if it's cleaned. Well worth the trouble in my opinion. Just don't fall in love with hope- a lesson I learned the hard way....
Pics for this AM, from Milo's collection, PC53:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
I received a new coin for my Barber Quarter set in the mail yesterday, a 1908 D AU 55:
Although this is a simple date in the set it's been elusive for me to find one with the look I like- this one.
Pics for this AM, from my raw set:
l
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
1) Although I do not collect them, I LIKE Barbers. I think when they are pretty, they are exquisite.
2) I have not looked through all 100 odd pages of this thread, so I don't know if this was posted before.
OK, I think I'm safe now. So, what do I want to post? Two little clippings I found in old newspapers about the initial opinion of Barber's design. Start with a June 30, 1892 note from the Bossier Banner (in Louisiana), June 30, 1892:
Mother: You have already disbursed (spent) all of the present your uncle gave you.
Small daughter: I know, mother, but the money was all in new coins and the designs are so inartistic that I disliked to retain them in my possession.
and follow that with a note from the Hickman Courier (in Kentucky), January 15, 1892:
There is a great deal of criticism of the new coins and the designs thereon. Says one critic: “The design of the new coins is hideous and inartistic. The eagle is neither the ‘expanded eagle’ of heraldry nor a tolerable representation of the imperial bird itself. The wings are absurdly small, and the position ill-drawn and ungraceful. The head of Liberty (who should be typified as a virgin) is from the Apollo Belvidere, and is furnished with a neck like a Durham bull.”
I think it's safe to say that our enjoyment of Barber's design was not universally shared...
I think all of us Barber collectors are well aware that the designs were not well received by the general public when first released, and they haven't gained a lot more popularity since.
I personally have never understood it, I like the design. Admittedly the portrait on the obverse of the coin is far from attractive, but is the Morgan $ better?
Before I present the topic of my post, to prevent all the Barber lovers from seeking my head on a pole, let me immediately add that:
1) Although I do not collect them, I LIKE Barbers. I think when they are pretty, they are exquisite.
2) I have not looked through all 100 odd pages of this thread, so I don't know if this was posted before.
OK, I think I'm safe now. So, what do I want to post? Two little clippings I found in old newspapers about the initial opinion of Barber's design. Start with a June 30, 1892 note from the Bossier Banner (in Louisiana), June 30, 1892:
Mother: You have already disbursed (spent) all of the present your uncle gave you.
Small daughter: I know, mother, but the money was all in new coins and the designs are so inartistic that I disliked to retain them in my possession.
and follow that with a note from the Hickman Courier (in Kentucky), January 15, 1892:
There is a great deal of criticism of the new coins and the designs thereon. Says one critic: “The design of the new coins is hideous and inartistic. The eagle is neither the ‘expanded eagle’ of heraldry nor a tolerable representation of the imperial bird itself. The wings are absurdly small, and the position ill-drawn and ungraceful. The head of Liberty (who should be typified as a virgin) is from the Apollo Belvidere, and is furnished with a neck like a Durham bull.”
I think it's safe to say that our enjoyment of Barber's design was not universally shared...
Mark- very interesting stuff sir. Thanks for sharing with us
In my opinion the barber design is not the prettiest design but when you have a beautifully toned barber its the best.
Hoard the keys
Jeff: are you going to Baltimore in November?
Jim
Jeff: are you going to Baltimore in November?
Jim
Nope, I won't be at Baltimore this year. We elected Lenny to represent the Florida clan.
Someday I'll get there; for now the rigors of life keep me at bay. Represent the Barber clan well; I guess we need all the supporters we can get.
I know not all of my 58's are great, but I sure thought this batch was. I thought it would be interesting (to me) to post photos of the eleven coins and receive opinions from the crowd as to why they think the coin may not have received a plus grade. Any and all opinions are appreciated!
First up, an 1892 O PC 58:
Although not readiny apparent from the photos this coin has nice Proof Like surfaces.