Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. “The Art & Science of Numismatics�
The Cincinnati Collection of Barber Half Dollars
June 2015
Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. “The Art & Science of Numismatics”
Tel: (312) 609-0016
31 N. Clark Street • Chicago, Illinois 60602
Internet: www.hjbltd.com
Fax: (312) 609-1305 Email: info@hjbltd.com
The Cincinnati Collection of Barber Half Dollars U.S. Numismatic Experts Mike Printz, David Greenstein Imaging and cataloging - Mike Printz Layout - Aaron Berk
While not complete, this is the one of the most impressive offerings of Barber Half Dollars I can recall. The coins, from an eye appeal and technical grade standpoint, are far superior to what is normally seen, and on par with coins graded higher that received a “pedigree bump”. The Cincinnati Collection was assembled by a gentleman Mike had the pleasure to work with for over 25 years and a true Barber Half nut. Of the 40 or so Mint State pieces and 7 Proofs, well over half were purchased in the mid to late nineties with the others purchased before 2006. Only coins exhibiting superb technical merits for their respective grade along with great eye appeal were placed into the collection. This helps explain why we were never able to complete the set since it became increasingly difficult to find accurately graded coins that also possessed originality and eye appeal. The collector, now retired, has moved into another chapter in life and asked HJB to offer this wonderful group of Half Dollars via our Personal Catalogue. There are some exceptional coins in this offering which affords a unique opportunity for the Barber Half Dollar aficionado and Type Collector.
Highlights from The Cincinnati Collection: •
1892 S PCGS MS65
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1895 O PCGS MS65
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1896 S PCGS MS65
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1897 S PCGS MS65
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1898 S PCGS MS65+
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1901 O PCGS MS64+
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1903 O PCGS MS65+
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1903 S PCGS MS66
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1907 S PCGS MS66
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1913 S PCGS MS66
US60912 1892 50c Mint State 65 PCGS/CAC US60912 - An impressive example of this first year of issue. Wholly original, natural white with a delicate gold patina, superb surfaces and luster with full mint bloom frost. Originally sold in June 2000. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $2,750
US60913 1892 S 50c Mint State 65 PCGS/CAC US60913 - Original white with a pale gold and opalescent patina both obverse and reverse. Outstanding luster and mint bloom frost, crisp and essentially full striking detail and wonderful eye appeal. Originally sold in summer 1997. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $5,350
US60914
1893 O
50c
Mint State 64
PCGS/CAC
US60914 - Natural white with superb mint frost allowing for an almost pearly appearance. Originally sold in April 1997. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $2,650
3
1894 S
US60915
50c
Mint State 64
PCGS/CAC
US60915 - Exceptionally well executed with essentially all devices struck in full relief. Both obverse and reverse exhibit outstanding luster and eye appeal. Natural white with a whisper of pale gold color. Originally sold in November 2000. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $2,550
1895
US60916
50c
Mint State 64
PCGS/CAC
US60916 – Outstanding original mint bloom frost and luster and essentially fully struck with virtually all devices struck up in full relief. Both obverse and reverse are natural white with a hint of light gold color to the frost. Originally sold in August 1996. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $1,350
1895 O
US60917
50c
Mint State 65
PCGS/CAC
US60917 - One of my personal favorites from this fine group of Barber Half Dollars and a coin I sold back in January of 1998. Interestingly, there have been NO PCGS Mint State 65 specimens sold at auction...not one coin! This specimen is incredibly well defined for an O Mint issue with the upper right corner of the shield offering complete definition. The luster is bold with full mint bloom and the toning natural aiding in the superb eye appeal. A remarkably choice Gem example of this very scarce date. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $8,750
4
US60918
1896 50c Mint State 65 PCGS/CAC US60918 – Lovely semi prooflike and truly original Gem example of this scarcer P mint issue. Near white with a dusting of light gold patina to the frost. Originally sold in April 1997. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $5,500
US60919
1896 S 50c Mint State 65 PCGS/CAC US60919 - Stunning Gem in every respect. Wonderful originality and beautiful patina with outstanding striking detail throughout and uber clean devices and fields. Full mint bloom luster and unbroken frost. Originally sold in January of 1998. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $9,350
US60920
1897
50c
Mint State 65
PCGS/CAC
US60920 - Intense luster and frost like the day it was made! Original white with just a hint of color to the skin. Superb eye appeal! Originally sold in early 2001. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $3,250
5
1897 S
US60921
50c
Mint State 65
PCGS/CAC
US60921 - One of the well known and respected keys to this series, this Gem has wonderful eye appeal, is exceptionally well struck and boasts ample luster and original mint frost. Originally sold in June 2006. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $7,250
1898
US60922
50c
Mint State 64
PCGS/CAC
US60922 – Delicate and very pretty pastel colors on the obverse while the reverse offers light gold patina. Originally sold in July 2005. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $1,250
US60923
1898 S 50c Mint State 65+ PCGS/CAC US60923 - Another of my favorites in this marvelous offering. Wonderful striking detail and surfaces, excellent luster and truly beautiful, natural toning. A date that doesn’t get the respect it’s rarity should afford it. Originally sold in January 1998. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $10,250
6
US60924
1899 S 50c Mint State 66 PCGS/CAC US60924 – A very impressive coin! Exceptionally clean with outrageously nice luster and overall eye appeal. Wholly original white with but a hint of light patina to the mint frost. The last PCGS Mint State 66 to sell was back in 2012. Originally sold in December 1999. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $9,000
US60925 1900 50c Mint State 66 PCGS/CAC US60925 – Intensely lustrous, wonderfully original and a true knock-out Gem! A date that’s rather plentiful in grades below MS65 but very scarce in MS66 with only 7 graded at this level and 2 finer. Originally sold in October 2002. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $6,500
US60926
1900 S
50c
Mint State 64
PCGS/CAC
US60926 – A surprisingly scarce and truly underrated date in Mint State, especially higher grade MS and is seldom seen in Gem. Exceptionally well made with far more detail than is typical. Lovely original color both obverse and reverse along with nice, satiny luster. Originally sold in April 2004. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $3,950
7
1901 O
US60927
50c
Mint State 64+
PCGS/CAC
US60927 - Probably the 3rd rarest date in the entire series and one of the stoppers for many collectors. Exceptionally well struck overall, and while exhibiting some of the typical weakness, this piece far exceeds what is typically seen for this date. Add to this the eye appeal and you indeed have a special piece. Both obverse and reverse exhibit a soft, peach-gold patina with a subtle pink undertone. Originally sold in November 1998. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $8,950
US60928 1902 50c Mint State 65 PCGS/CAC US60928 - Pretty and wholly original with excellent luster and rich with frost. Given the mintage of nearly 5 million, this is a surprisingly scarce date in higher grade due to so few survivors since virtually all went into circulation. An impressive coin for many reasons! Originally sold in March 2006. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $3,250
US60929
1903 O
50c
Mint State 65+
PCGS/CAC
US60929 - From an eye appeal standpoint this just might be my personal favorite from this exceptional selection of half dollars. Technically speaking, it is a very, very impressive coin with superb striking detail for this New Orleans Mint issue, wonderful luster and exceptionally clean devices and fields. A coin that, regardless of grade assigned, is quite difficult to find any faults with. Originally sold in March 1998. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $9,250
8
US60930 1903 S 50c Mint State 66 PCGS/CAC US60930 – An elusive date in Gem or finer, PCGS has graded only 4 at this MS66 level with just 4 graded higher. Both obverse and reverse exhibit unbroken mint bloom frost and luster with beautiful toning in shades of peach, light gold, pale mint green and vibrant lilac. The last coin to hit the auction block was in 2012. Originally sold in January 1998. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $10,000
US60931
1904
50c
Mint State 65
PCGS/CAC
US60931 – Frosty seafoam green and amber with hints of gold. Well struck overall with outstanding luster. An underrated P mint issue in Gem or better. Originally sold in April 1998. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $4,950
US60932
1905 0c Mint State 65+ PCGS/CAC US60932 - I am flabbergasted at PCGS’s reluctance to call this coin what it truly is - full Mint State 66. Not only is the eye appeal superb, but the technical merits of this uber Gem indicate absolutely no reason to call it anything other than Mint State 66. One of my favorite pieces from this offering. Originally sold in March 2006. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $6,500
9
US60933
1905 O
50c
Mint State 64
PCGS/CAC
US60933 - Very pretty album toned near Gem with a far superior strike than is typically seen for this date and especially this grade. Originally sold in April 2004. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $2,000
US60934
1906 D
50c
Mint State 66
PCGS/CAC
US60934 - The first year of the Denver Mint for the Barber series. An absolutely stunning Gem with exceptional frost and gorgeous pastel toning both obverse and reverse. PCGS has graded just 8 at this level with only 2 higher. Originally sold in December 1997. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $5,750
US60935
1906 O
50c
Mint State 66
PCGS/CAC
US60935 – Wholly original near white with hints of light gold and pale green to the abundant mint frost and luster. A date that’s obtainable through the MS64 grade yet becomes quite scarce in Gem or better with PCGS showing only 7 in MS65, 7 at this level MS66 and 3 finer. Exceptionally well struck and remarkably clean with wonderful eye appeal. Originally sold in November 2005. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $9,250
10
US60936 1906 S 50c Mint State 65 PCGS/CAC US60936 – Booming luster and original white with a delicate gold and pale green patina both obverse and reverse. The Great Earthquake occurred this year and as a result, silver coins of all denominations were needed and the majority of the 1.7 million mintage for this date ultimately went into circulation. Gem examples and above are scarce due to this event. Originally sold in January 2001. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $3,950
US60937
1907 S 50c Mint State 66 PCGS/CAC US60937 - Repunched Mint Mark with the first S clearly showing at the top of the second; also showing faint obverse die crack from tip of bust to star 13. Absolutely love this coin...just a fabulous example of this the rarest late date of the series. Intensely lustrous and bathed in gorgeous colors of amber, pale red-purple and light mint green. The striking detail is outstanding and the eye appeal extremely impressive! Interesting to note is the fact PCGS has graded just 10 in MS64, 9 in MS65, 4 in MS66 and 2 in MS67 illustrating the true rarity of the date. The last and only PCGS MS66 example to go to auction was in 2009. A rare opportunity to acquire such an outstanding example of this rarity. Originally sold in January 1998. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $17,500
US60938 1908 50c Mint State 66 PCGS/CAC US60938 - Semi common through Gem but not so much above that as PCGS has only graded 8 in MS66 with 2 graded higher. Exceptionally clean and remarkably well struck with full, unbroken mint bloom frost and luster. Really lovely coin! Originally sold in May 2005. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $6,950
11
US60939
1908 D
50c
Mint State 65
NGC/CAC
US60939 - One of the prettiest coins in the collection. White centers framed with vibrant colors of orange, blue, purple/red and yellow-gold. Still in the old NGC Fatty style holder. Originally sold in September 1996. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $2,200
US60940
1908 O
50c
Mint State 65
PCGS
US60940 – White with satiny luster and pale gold and light pink patina to the frost. Originally sold in July 1997. From the Cincinnati Collection. $2,100
US60941 1908 S 50c Mint State 65 PCGS/CAC US60941 – Wholly original with soft blue, light green, and peach patina both obverse and reverse. Sharply struck and well defined throughout with nice luster as well. Originally sold in August 2000. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $5,200
12
US60942
1909 50c Mint State 65 PCGS/CAC US60942 - Pastel gold and pale lavender colors are showcased with excellent luster and really lovely overall eye appeal. Originally sold in February 1998. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $2,650
US60943 1911 50c Mint State 65 PCGS/CAC US60943 - Light pastel color over fully original surfaces, well struck and clean devices. Rich, satiny, unbroken frost with excellent eye appeal. Originally sold in April 1997. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $2,750
US60944 1911 S 50c Mint State 65 PCGS/CAC US60944 - Lustrous, natural white with a pale gold patina. Well struck throughout with full mint bloom frost and luster. Originally sold in February 1998. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $4,650
13
US60945 1912 50c Mint State 65 PCGS/CAC US60945 – Light gold patina is evident over super frosty surfaces. Well executed and a pleasing, true to grade Gem. Originally sold in February 1999. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $2,900
1912 D
US60946
50c
Mint State 65
PCGS
US60946 - Natural white with a whisper of light gold and silvery-blue patina. Excellent luster, especially the reverse. Originally sold in February 2001. From the Cincinnati Collection. $2,400
US60953
1913
50c
Mint State 64
PCGS/CAC
US60947 - Wonderful coin for the grade with lovely, natural patina, excellent luster and overall eye appeal. A scant mintage of just 188,000, this is one of the lowest mintage issues in the series. Originally sold in early 1996. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $3,750
14
US60947 1913 S 50c Mint State 66 PCGS/CAC US60947 - A true premium Gem with outstanding mint frost and luster, beautiful pastel toning and superb surfaces. PCGS has graded just 6 at this level with but 1 graded MS67. Wonderful Gem! Originally sold in December 1999. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $13,950
US60948
1914 S
50c
Mint State 65
PCGS/CAC
US60948 – Lovely Gem with light gold, peach and hints of lavender evident both obverse and reverse. Crisp striking detail and excellent luster along with clean fields and devices. Originally sold in February 2004. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $4,500
US60949 1915 50c Mint State 65 PCGS/CAC US60949 – This date sports a very low mintage of just 138,000 pieces struck and is the final year of issue for the series. PCGS has graded just 16 at this level with only 4 higher. A wonderful look with abundant mint frost and satiny luster and very pretty, light pastel colors. Well struck, clean and quite choice! Originally sold in January 1998. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $5,500
15
US60950
1915 S 50c Mint State 65+ PCGS/CAC US60950 - Beautiful luster with full cartwheel and wholly original white with a bit of color to the frost. Well struck and exceptionally clean with great overall eye appeal. This is the only MS65+ PCGS has graded and is well worthy of that designation. Originally sold in November 1994. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $4,650
US60954 1893 50c Proof 66 Cameo PCGS/CAC US60954 - Original white with heavily frosted devices and frost evident in the fields as well. Beautiful Cameo Gem. Originally sold in March 1994. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $4,750
US60955 1895 50c Proof 66 Cameo PCGS/CAC US60955 - Hints of pale gold are evident on this original, near white Cameo Gem. Wonderful eye appeal and wonderful contrast. Originally sold in September 1996. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $4,550
16
US60956
1896
50c
Proof 64
PCGS/CAC
US60956 – Beautiful color and a really sweet coin for the grade as well. Originally sold in February 2005. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $1,800
US60957 1898 50c Proof 66 Cameo PCGS US60957 – A real WOW coin with intense contrast - to the point where I really expected a Deep Cameo designation. A coin you’ll be hard pressed to find fault with. Originally sold in June 1997. From the Cincinnati Collection. $6,000
US60959
1905 50c Proof 66 PCGS/CAC US60959 - Wonderful coin with deeply reflective fields and mildly frosted devices. Exceptionally clean and offering very pretty hints of sky blue, amber, orange and light mint green. Originally sold in November 1994. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $4,750
17
US60960 1910 50c Proof 64+ PCGS/CAC US60960 - Deep, watery fields with light red and red-purple patina about original white centers. Not quite Gem but very close. Originally sold in November 1996. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $2,000
US60961 1911 50c Proof 63 Cameo PCGS/CAC US60961 - Deep, mirrored fields under fully fully frosted devices allow for true Cameo contrast. Very pleasing coin for the grade. Originally sold in April 2001. CAC Verified. From the Cincinnati Collection. $1,200
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Harlan J. Berk Ltd. 31 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL. 60602 | 312-609-0016 Harlan J. Berk Ltd.
| www.hjbltd.com
Dealers in U.S. & world coins, paper money, autographs, bullion, ancient coins and antiquities
31 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL. 60602 | 312-609-0018 | www.hjbltd.com Dealers in ancient coins, antiquities, U.S. coins, paper money, autographs, and bullion