1894 Barber Half Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1894 Barber Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Barber Half Dollars 1892-1915 series — an early issue, 3rd of 24 years in the series. In 1894, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Philadelphia, and New Orleans Mints with a combined mintage of 7.3 million. This ranks 18th of 24 years by total mintage, above the series median of 4.9 million. The obverse features Liberty facing right wearing a Phrygian cap topped by a laurel wreath, with the word LIBERTY on a headband and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $60 to $1.8K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $82K in MS68 grade at Legend Rare Coin Auctions. Designed by Charles E. Barber.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
