1900 50C MS66+ Certification #25200582, PCGS #6486

CAC. Laibstain. A very pretty coin acquired from Harry Laibstain. Amazing blue toning is present over both obverse and reverse. The coin came from an original 1900 mint set Harry bought. This example is bettered by only two other coins per the population report. The Philadelphia coins from the middle years of the set are all very tough to find in gem and better condition. Remember that most of the early coin collectors used proof coins from Philadelphia rather than circulation strikes in building their collections. Only from scattered and seemingly random saving do we have preserved today, coins in high grade like this one. It not only had to survive not getting put into circulation, but it was never cleaned, polished or mistreated in its 115 years of existence. Also, many coins carefully cared for can develop toning that is dark or otherwise not eye-appealing. This coin has beaten all the odds to survive to today. It is now safely stored in a very stable PCGS SecurePlus holder, which gives assurance that it will not be damaged. Though we do not no the exact reason that someone saved the particular set of uncirculated coins from 1900 from which came this half dollar, various possibilities exist. Perhaps it was someone's birth year, a wedding year, or someone wanting to commemorate the changing of the dates from 1800's to 1900's. We find that entertaining such notions highlights our experience in collecting and enjoying our coins. Coin collecting is a lot of fun.

Ron Guth

The 1900 Half Dollar is a popular, turn-of-the-century date.  It is relatively common, fairly easy to find in high grade, and it usually features a strong strike and good, overall eye appeal.  This date offers excellent value for the type buyer all the way up to MS65.  The best 1900 Half Dollars top out at MS67 -- such coins are true condition-rarities and they can be worth four to five times that of an MS66.

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David Akers

In circulated conditions, and in mint state grades below Gem quality, the 1900 is not especially difficult to locate. However, accurately graded Gems are very rare and this issue is certainly undeserving of its traditional common date status. In fact, in Gem condition, the 1900 is actually every bit as rare as many of the more highly regarded issues in this series, including some in the 1890's.