1912 Barber Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1912 Barber Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Barber Half Dollars 1892-1915 series. In 1912, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 5.2 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. Produced during the Progressive Era, when President Theodore Roosevelt championed a renaissance in American coin design that produced some of the most beautiful coins ever struck. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have identified one known die variety for this date (atypical die clash). Struck two years before the 1914 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $49 to $1.4K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $26K in PR67 grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by Charles E. Barber.