1896-O 50C MS65+ PCGS. CAC....

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1896-O Barber Half, MS65+
Series-Key Issue, Among the Finest Known

1896-O 50C MS65+ PCGS. CAC. Ex: Bender Collection. David and John Feigenbaum, in their Complete Guide to Certified Barber Coinage, maintain that the Mint State 1896-O is second in rarity only to the 1904-S half, an issue well known among Barber collectors for its elusive nature. Both of the major grading services show fewer Mint State examples of the 1896-O than the 1904-S. Of course, such figures fall in the category of "statistics," as the 1904-S numbers are more likely to be inflated by multiple resubmissions.

This is a wonderful Gem of this tricky issue, with silver centers accented by a peripheral ring of amber-gold on each side. Close perusal with a loupe reveals only a couple of grade-consistent reeding marks on Liberty's neck. The strike is above-average on the obverse, but weakness shows on the reverse right shield corner and the nearby wing. The eagle's claw and fletchings are somewhat weak, but better-detailed than expected. If one is contemplating beginning a Mint State set of Barber halves, this is the place to start. Population: 5 in 65 (1 in 65+), 4 finer. CAC: 4 in 65, 5 finer (10/22).
Ex: Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 2/2008), lot 657; Joseph C. Thomas Collection, Part Two / Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 5/2009), lot 810, where it realized $21,850.
From The Bender Family Collection. (Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 24LW, PCGS# 6475, Greysheet# 6586)

Weight: 12.50 grams

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

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