Ron Guth:
The 1894-S Half Dollar is certainly one of the more intriguing dates in the series. It ranks right up with the best of the dates as a condition-rarity. In terms of the number of Gem examples available, the 1894-S compares favorably with other dates such as 1896-O, 1898-O, 1900-O, 1902-O (is there a pattern developing here?) plus surprising dates such as 1903, 1906, and 1914. The best example is a single PCGS MS67 followed by a small handful of PCGS MS66's. The usual Who's Who of collectors have their names attached to the best examples: Duckor, Price, Shireman, Eliasberg, and Friend. All of the top examples are toned in varying degrees and have superb eye appeal.