Lot 1080
1903-S Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-68. This is the ultimate grade awarded to any 1903-S Barber half dollar. It is the only one graded MS-68 by either grading service, and of course there are none graded higher. Anyone who is considering a superlative date and mint collection of Barber half dollars would do well to put this one away, and not miss this opportunity. We note the usual parallel planchet striae seen on most silver coins of the era, and these run north to south on both sides. Remember that when silver was delivered to the mints for coining, it was first melted, properly refined with alloys, then cast in an ingot or brick shaped lump of metal. Next, the silver ingot was drawn through roller mills, just like an old wringer used to wring out wet clothes. The rolling machine effectively squeezed the metal brick by flattening it and lengthening it as the brick was repeatedly drawn through the large metal rollers. As the silver was drawn through the metal rollers, usually fine lines from the steel were imparted on the planchet. Frequently, these lines remain on the planchet, even after the coin was struck, as seen here. After the brick was drawn to the proper thickness, that of a planchet for a half dollar in this case, the silver was ready for the planchet cutting process, then coining.
The strike on this 1903-S is better than average, with all but two stars sharp to the center. Similar on the reverse, with slight weakness on the right wing of the eagle, and fine planchet lines visible through the feathers and devices. There is a fine die crack through the truncation and lower right stars. As to the surfaces, they are nearly perfect, with a with a tiny reeding mark hidden on the cap above the third leaf up from the bottom on Liberty's crown. The reverse is nearly perfect and shows only the faintest signs of any contact. Without question, an incredible coin that will always be the envy of every other collector.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000.
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| Realized $32,200 |
