Barber Half Dollars 1892-1915 - 1892-O 50C Micro O

Weight

12.5 g

Diameter

30 mm

Thickness

NA

Material

90% Silver, 10% Copper

Shape

Round

Edge Type

Reeded

Technique

Struck

Front design

Bust of Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap, with a laurel wreath and a scroll in her hair. Date below.

Back design

Heraldic eagle with wings spread, holding an olive branch and arrows. Inscription above, value below.

Year of Minting

1892

Ruler

NA

Mint location

New Orleans

Mint mark

O

Orientation

Coin alignment

Inscriptions

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | HALF DOLLAR

Context

: The 1892-O Micro O half dollar is the rarest in the Barber half dollar series. It is believed that the mintmark punch used by the engraver was meant for a quarter dollar rather than the half dollar. A population study was undertaken about 2003 by a member of the Barber Collectors Society (Michael Flanagan) and he published all known examples (certified and raw) for a total of just over 50 coins. The 1892-O Micro O half dollar is usually well struck but often comes with a bit of weakness in the upper right shield and on the eagle's wing. Uncirculated examples often have proof-like or semi proof-like fields. A die crack through the date is seen in most examples. It is believed that the improperly-sized mintmark was discovered fairly early and that the die was then taken out of service, thus accounting for the relatively few examples that are known. This variety was discovered not very long afterwards and examples were sought even in the early 1900s. -- Contributed by Dr. Peter Shireman

Rarity

Ultra rare

Coin type

Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915)

In circulation

NA

Demonetized

No

Marketplace listings

0