If given a choice of one or the other, which would you prefer to collect, the Kennedy half dollar or the Barber half dollar?
Barber for sure. There are WAYYYYY too many Kennedys out there. I'm starting to get really sick of seeing them.
I'm not fond of Barber's Liberty designs, but they've grown on me. Dead presidents have not. The Barber halves are an interesting challenge, too, with nothing too rare, but a wide range of availabilities and prices. I've got only a couple of keys and one or two common dates left to go on my set, then I guess it's time to start upgrading.
barber (yes, his coins are boring/lack variety), but there is more history/circulation to his halves.
Ahhh my favorite series. Barber halves. Boring and lackluster, lack variety, I know you guys have more adjectives. Whatever it takes to keep you guys from collecting them so I can still afford the few that are left. Vote for Kennedy Halves!
Maybe I just look at things from left field sometimes but what if all you wanted to do is complete a set? The Barber set may be too daunting financially for most. There are some date and mintmark combinations that are insanely difficult to find, but Kennedys... easy money, readily available and ultimately little to no investment to complete a set and minimal effort. I know that my reply is kind of tongue in cheek, but I just think most people answered this question from the standpoint of worth alone and I think that there are other points of view out there to consider.
Mike, that is what drives me about the Barber series. The sheer fact to find the coins unmolested in mid grade circ is such fun. But to others, that's a big turn off. I must admit though I own a complete set of Kennedy halves and not the Barbers yet.
honestly, I was just playing Devil's Advocate. I don't think that anyone wants to collect Kennedys over Barbers, but I like to point out when everyone barks up the same tree and I think that some might value completing a set over chasing a hard set
i didn't give my answer on "price guide" worth alone, and i do respect your answer. more thought will be given...