1914 Barber Proof Set (Dime, Quarter & Half)

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P0CKETCHANGE
P0CKETCHANGE Posts: 3,728 ✭✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

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).

Comments

  • kaz
    kaz Posts: 9,378 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Beautiful proofs! I didn't know that about the low mintages, thanks for the info.

  • SanctionII
    SanctionII Posts: 13,187 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Lovely coins.

    A pre 1936 proof set containing Barber coinage is going to be a future project of mine.

  • coinbuf
    coinbuf Posts: 12,567 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Very nice, the half is my favorite.

    My Lincoln Registry
    My Collection of Old Holders

    Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
  • Dave99B
    Dave99B Posts: 8,947 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    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

    Always looking for original, better date VF20-VF35 Barber quarters and halves, and a quality beer.
  • The_Dinosaur_Man
    The_Dinosaur_Man Posts: 1,592 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    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/.

  • Typekat
    Typekat Posts: 729 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    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!

  • Typekat
    Typekat Posts: 729 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options

    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!

  • Typekat
    Typekat Posts: 729 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Please pardon pointless plethora of posts

    30+ years coin shop experience (ret.) Coins, bullion, currency, scrap & interesting folks. Loved every minute!

  • erwindoc
    erwindoc Posts: 5,447 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 26, 2023 10:12AM
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    Nice set of proof coins. A project like that is on my list too!

  • Eldorado9
    Eldorado9 Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Typekat That's a beautiful proof Barber indeed! It ain't a 1914 though.

  • Catbert
    Catbert Posts: 8,258 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    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!

    Seated Half Society member #38

    "She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
    running like a water color in the rain...."
  • Catbert
    Catbert Posts: 8,258 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 26, 2023 10:21AM
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    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

    Seated Half Society member #38

    "She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
    running like a water color in the rain...."
  • Typekat
    Typekat Posts: 729 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    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!

  • P0CKETCHANGE
    P0CKETCHANGE Posts: 3,728 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 26, 2023 10:23AM
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    @Catbert said:
    Oh, and first time I've seen this sticker service:

    https://eyeappealseal.com/

    Edit to add: Someone paid at least $100 for that sticker!

    Not quite. The seller I bought it from is the same individual who operates that stickering service.

    @Typekat said:
    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

    Regardless, that is a phenomenally eye appealing 1913 Proof. I didn't mind seeing it twice ;)

  • Eldorado9
    Eldorado9 Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Catbert said:
    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!

    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.

  • lermish
    lermish Posts: 5,003 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Love proof Barbers. No surprise, a very nice set!!!

    chopmarkedtradedollars.com

  • P0CKETCHANGE
    P0CKETCHANGE Posts: 3,728 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Eldorado9 said:

    @Catbert said:
    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!

    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.

    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.

  • Eldorado9
    Eldorado9 Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Since you hit on one of my favorite coin sets of all time, all three 1895 Barbers.



  • Steven59
    Steven59 Posts: 11,230 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    NICE! Great set.

    "When they can't find anything wrong with you, they create it!"

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