1892-O 50C Micro O, MS63 PCGS. FS-501....

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1892-O Micro O Half Dollar, MS63
Key to Barber Half Series
Ex: Byers Collection

1892-O 50C Micro O, MS63 PCGS. FS-501. In its Auction '81 appearance, this half dollar was described as "the first high grade example we have seen. Possibly a candidate for Finest Known." A quarter-century later, it again appeared at auction, and was cataloged as "very rare in any grade, and extremely rare at or above the condition offered here. In face, there are in all likelihood no more than 8 to 10 examples of this variety in all Mint State grade levels. The outstanding coin offered here, therefore, is not only of the utmost importance to collectors of Barber half dollars, it is also a candidate for the condition census!"

The present satiny example has a good strike and attractive dappled golden-brown, cream-gray, and powder-blue toning. Marks are very minor for the MS63 level, confined to two lines near obverse star 12 and a brief vertical mark east of Liberty's ear.

Variety: FS-501. A New Orleans mintmark punch intended for the dime or quarter denomination was inadvertently entered into a single half dollar die. FS-501 is also a minor doubled die, evident on the serifs of UNITED. In addition, unimportant strike doubling is present on HALF DOLLAR.

Population Data (5/14): PCGS lists three in MS63, two in MS64, two in MS65, and one each as MS67 and MS68. NGC shows one coin each in MS64, MS65, and MS68.

Heritage Commentary: Given the absolute rarity of the Micro O, it is curious that a relatively high number have survived in Mint State. 1892 was the first year of the Barber design, and the first O-mint half dollar issue since 1861, and those two facts may have encouraged locals to set aside examples. Perhaps many circulated Micro O halves were melted circa-1918 or circa-1980 when the price of silver spiked. However, the variety has been known to be rare since Augustus Heaton discussed it in his famous treatise "Mint Marks."

Provenance: Auction '81 (Superior, 7/1981), lot 755; George "Buddy" Byers Collection (Stack's, 10/2006), lot 1312.(Registry values: P8)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 24LH, PCGS# 6463, Greysheet# 6578)

Weight: 12.50 grams

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

View Certification Details from PCGS