Skip to main content
Go to accessibility options

Description

1899-S Barber Half Dollar, MS68
Sole Finest Known
From the Gardner Collection

1899-S 50C MS68 PCGS. CAC. Nearly 20 years ago, we observed that this is the single finest example of the date certified by PCGS or NGC in 20 years of numismatic certification. Nothing has changed in the past two decades. It is our belief that this is the finest known example of the issue. Not even the Eliasberg coin that John Clapp purchased directly from the San Francisco Mint in 1899 is as nice as this piece. We have handled this example on four previous occasions and are delighted to offer it to the current generation of collectors.

This is an exceptional Superb Gem Barber half dollar. Both sides have a full strike with every design element showing crisp detail, exactly as Charles Barber intended. This splendid half dollar will easily satisfy the connoisseur. The surfaces have warm, original silvery-gray color with considerable blue, rose, and gold toning on the obverse and mostly vivid gold on the reverse. Although a few tiny abrasions are evident in the hidden areas of the design, these are only visible with magnification. While population figures have increased recently because of numerous resubmissions, this date is rare in any grade finer than MS64. Every PCGS Set Registry Barber half dollar collection each benefit from the addition of this specimen. Population: 1 in 68, 0 finer. CAC: 1 in 68, 0 finer (7/25).
Ex: FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/1999), lot 6784; Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 6/2004), lot 6090; ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2006), lot 5262; Eugene H. Gardner Collection (Heritage, 10/2014), lot 98552.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 24M8, PCGS# 6485, GSID# 6593)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
ASW: 0.3617oz
Mintage: 1,686,411


View Certification Details from PCGS

View Certification Details from CAC sticker

Auction Info

Auction Dates
August, 2025
26th-31st Tuesday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 18
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 269

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid per lot.

Sold on Aug 26, 2025 for: Sign-in or Join (free & quick)
Track Item