Over the years I have written several articles for the CDN Monthly Supplement about Barber coinage, my favorite series. First, I would like to offer some background about this highly collectible series.

The obverse design associated with the Dime, Quarter and Half Dollar is virtually the same for each denomination. For the most part, Barber coinage was designed by the chief engraver of the Mint, Charles E. Barber. However, the obverse portrait was very similar to the Morgan Dollar design of George T. Morgan in 1878. Barber's initial "B" appears on the obverse portrait of Miss Liberty located on the truncation of her neck. The Dime has "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" circling the rim with the date located at the 6:00 position. Barber Dimes were struck by the Philadelphia, New Orleans and San Francisco Mint from 1892 through 1916. The Dime has a composition of .900 Silver and .100 Copper. That equates to a net weight of .07234 ounces of pure Silver. Its diameter is 17.9 mm and it has a Reeded Edge. This series was struck in Proof along with the regular issue Business Strikes. The reverse design is different from the Quarter and the Half Dollar. Actually, it is nearly the same reverse that first appeared in 1860 on the Liberty Seated Dimes. Known as the "Cereal Wreath,"

Like the Dime, Charles E. Barber designed the Quarter and the Half Dollar. His initial B appears as it does on the Dime for both denominations. "In God We Trust" appears around the rim at the top of the Quarter and the Half Dollar. There are 13 Stars that circle the obverse portrait. The reverse has a Heraldic Eagle holding an olive branch representing peace in one claw and some warlike arrows in the other. The reverse is an adaptation of designer and engraver Robert Scot's work taken from the "Great Seal of the United States."

Back in 1990 Barbers were hot! I provided wholesale values for each date of the Dimes, Quarters and Halves in MS64 grade. I subsequently analyzed each date of the Barber Quarters and Half Dollars in May 1990. Now, with the coin market strong, it's time to look at these great coins again.

The first thing that stands out when you look at the Barbers is the number of truly scarce coins, many of which seem grossly undervalued in the marketplace. The second is the number of "fairly common" Philadelphia Mints that are surprisingly tough to find. But, they are priced just a little over the few dates that are available. And third is that if you remove a very few dates in each series all the rest are not so abundant either.

The table shows some of my favorites in each category. Note that the population report and census data are based on the combined total from the March 1998 Professional Coin Grading Service Population Report and the January 1998 Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of America Census Report:

Some notes about the table on page 1; two coins that were left out are the 1893/2 and 1894-S Dimes. The former is a hard-to-see variety and the later generally considered a proof only issue. Also, many Barber collectors will be quick to note that many of their favorite dates may not be included in this study. The criterion used was a total Mint State population of 45 or fewer. Some dates, notably the 1913-S Quarter (and 1913-S Dime) are in great demand because of their relatively low mintages. Though they may have fairly high, original populations, strong demand is why they always bring strong premiums.

Compare the Barber coin Mint State populations with three, popular key date coins. The 1877 is a key date of the Indian Head Cent series from 1859-1909. The 1916 is a key date of the Standing Liberty Quarter series from 1916-1930. Finally, the 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a key date of that series that spans from 1916-1947. This should help you determine the comparative value of selected Barber rarities.

Philadelphia Mint Barbers (no Mint mark) that are never around when you want them, are those found in the middle of the series; 1900 - 1905. The early and later years were saved but the middle of the series was usually overlooked. This is true of all three denominations. It is not unusual for a collector to neglect these dates. Collectors may become surprised and somewhat frustrated as their collection nears completion. That is because there will probably be a few Philadelphia Mint holes to still fill.

Last, many of the Barbers that sell as Type coins are far tougher to find in the most common dates in their respective series. The prime example of this is the 1916-D Quarter. This issue is overwhelmingly the most common date in the Quarter series. Yet, it sells in all Mint State grades at the same price as other far tougher issues such at the 1906-P, 1907-P, 1912-P and even 1902-P! Give me these later dates any time.

All three Barber series are wonderfully complex and full of nuances. The tables, charts, and discussion can only begin to touch the surface. Collectors who enter this realm find much more enjoyment than they bargained for, not to mention great values. Compare the prices and populations listed in the tables to any of the more modern series and you too are likely to become a Barber enthusiast.

David Lawrence is a partner, with his son John, in David Lawrence Rare Coins of Virginia Beach, Va. He has written three books on this subject.

This article originally appeared in the April 1998 issue of Coin Dealer Newsletter, Monthly Supplement. © 1998 CDN Inc., CDN Publications, PO Box 7939, Torrance, CA 90504.