Check out my new Barbie
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This was a spontaneous purchase that I couldn't resist this week, a 1915 Proof Barber Half in an OGH w/CAC approval that I snagged from GFRC. His photos can be challenging to judge by, but I had a feeling this one would have the in-hand appearance that it does and I was pleased to confirm that when it arrived.
This is a fully and darkly toned example, perhaps too dark for some collectors but it's exactly how I prefer these old proofs. It reminds me of the 1878 20c proof I own (in color and character). This is the second lowest proof mintage (450), with only the 1914 lower (380)—I have a 1914 set of proof CAC Barbers and now feel a little pressure to build a 1915.
This is the only PR62 stickered or graded by CAC. The entire CAC pop is just 28 coins, and those that are also in an OGH is likely just a small fraction of that, which makes this a pretty special coin IMO.
The obverse is highlighted by vivid oranges in angled lighting, and the reverse is deeply and richly toned in navy with brighter purplish centers. As evident in the videos, the mirrors are a bit flashier on the reverse than the obverse—some old hairlines are visible on the latter under very bright light, which I think would hold it to a 63 if graded today.
I've always thought that these low mintage Barber proofs were underrated. The next proof issue was the 1936 Walking Liberty, which has almost 9x the mintage (3,901) and sells for several times as much!
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
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IMO, Barber proofs are easily the most attractive silver 20th century proofs and this is a very attractive example. I think the toning is absolutely perfect. 62 seems a little punitive unless there are some hairlines hiding there somewhere.
Really nice newp!
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I agree terrible photos for sure........
OMG. O-M-G!!!!!
That may be the nicest 62 Proof I’ve ever seen. FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!
Dave
That's a good date in proof. Nice get. Peace Roy
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I saw that on Gerrys site, congrats on a very nice coin.
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is there pink in the center of the devices?
Beautiful
Beautiful! Congrats Buddy! 1915 is just a great date too! Mintage=450!
Very attractive!
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
running like a water color in the rain...."
I can tell it's a beauty - Love the green holder too, that'd be a keeper for me.
Now you have "Barbie's". What about "KENnedys".
There are pink and purple hues at the center of the reverse, yes.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
great, Barbie likes pink ++
You have convinced me. I need to find one.
If you find one, my advice: don’t hesitate! Gerry also had a 1914 PR63 Quarter a few weeks ago that I tried to snag the morning it hit his blog post, but someone got to it before me.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Mintage # 450
They don't see the light of day in the market, for long. Nice one.
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Love this coin, when i saw your instagram vid of the reverse i thought it would have been higher than pr62.
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Saw that on IG yesterday, and wondered exactly the same thing as @DeplorableDan.
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Happy to report that I was able to find the perfect companion 1915 dime! I spotted this OGH-holdered dime in an online auction and pulled the trigger, then sent it to CAC where I was thrilled she earned a green bean.
It's deeply and richly toned with watery mirrors flashing through as shown in the video. CAC Pop 7 in 65 (9 including CAM), with 17 higher (21 including CAM). It's such a great match to the bigger brother half dollar!
If anyone has any leads on a fully toned 1915 Proof Quarter in an OGH, let me know
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Two beauties! The 50C looks better than 62 - congrats on two great pickups!
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A great coin. It's impressive you found this CAC key date Barber dime proof "raw" (without a CAC).
I was thrilled when it beaned, as I assumed when I bought it that it most likely had already been seen and failed.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
(edit: forum issues—duplicate post)
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
What a beautiful barber. Wow. Can't believe that whoever sent that beauty in years ago, didn't select to have it photo'd. Especially since Phil was there then. Thanks for sharing.
Jim
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I love the half dollar. I have a soft spot for proofs although I sold my older proofs to fund my half-dime addiction. Gorgeous toning really is the icing on the cake for coins that were meticulously minted. Super nice! I was wondering why only a 62 as well, and so I went back to GRFC's research page and snooped it out. The write-up says:
Exceptional Bright Light Eye Appeal, Choice Original.. Evaluating proofs strikes is typically accomplished by GFRC with two parameters, mirror reflectance and hairlines. Most proofs also require a bright light to fully appreciate the toning portrait. This lot excels on all parameters as the mirrors expose the predominance of aquamarine-blue, gold, and rose colors that are very eye appealing. I'm tough on hairlines and was pleasantly surprise to find absolutely no hairlines in the fields, rather a few faint rub lines on the check that are not particular to a proof strike. Worthy of its GFRC-Gem quality rating along with a conservative reserve to stimulate bidding. CAC notes 26 approved in all grades with not a single cameo meeting criteria. This is the lone example approved at the certified grade. Housed in PCGS Gen 3.1 (1993-1998) old green holder with CAC approval.
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@Bikergeek Gerry may not have been able to see any hairlines, but I can
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Great looking dime but I love the toning on the half. Congrats on the additions.
Wow for both!
Interesting that you call it darkly toned, and yet PCGS hollered it years ago and CAC sticker in recent times. I one point David Hall was very against holdering dark material and CAC was against stickering such
I recently had the esteemed @FlyingAl take professional shots of the two Barber Proofs in this thread, the 10c and 50c. I'm really pleased with them and wanted to add them to this original thread. You'll notice there are two different lighting styles for each coin—it's great to have both since these 19th century toned proofs are dynamic coins.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.