(1892) Bronze Medal F&H-304, William Barber

Coin Details

Description

This circa 1892 bronze medal cataloged as F&H-304 honors William Barber, who served as Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1879 until his death in 1879. The F&H-304 designation places this within the Fuld-Higby catalog of Mint official medals. Barber was responsible for designing numerous coin and medal dies during his tenure, though he is often overshadowed by his son Charles E. Barber, who succeeded him and became one of the most prolific Chief Engravers in Mint history. The elder Barber's contributions to American numismatic art included pattern coins, commemorative medals, and the refinement of portrait dies. This official U.S. Mint medal recognizing his service represents the institution's tradition of honoring its own craftsmen, whose artistic skill and technical precision were essential to the quality of American coinage and medals throughout the nineteenth century.

Rarity Notes

Bronze U.S. Mint medal honoring Chief Engraver William Barber. F&H-304. Limited production. Scarce in numismatic channels.

Cross References

PCGS #517537; F&H-304; William Barber, Chief Engraver