Barber halfs, where do I start?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by fish4uinmd, Jun 1, 2015.

  1. fish4uinmd

    fish4uinmd Well-Known Member

    I'm a new collector of Morgans, but thinking about diving into Barbers...any suggestions about where to begin as far as dates, condition, what to stay away from? My budget is about $800 to $1,000 per month. Thanks.
     
  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. Gilbert

    Gilbert Part time collector Supporter

    How many months do you plan on buying? If your time line is five years you could put together a decent set of certified mint state Barber Halves, except for the 1892 micro O, and a few others.
     
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2015
  4. jello

    jello Not Expert★NormL®

    I would stick with Morgan dollars. If you can afford that much each month????
    There is more opportunity that are in MS 63 or better.
    My2c.
    :)
     
  5. bdunnse

    bdunnse Who dat?

    That's a healthy discretionary budget!
     
    spirityoda likes this.
  6. geekpryde

    geekpryde Husband and Father Moderator

  7. geekpryde

    geekpryde Husband and Father Moderator

  8. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    "Barber halfs, where do I start?"


    uh, 1892?


    :bag:
     
    Amanda Varner, dwhiz and green18 like this.
  9. fish4uinmd

    fish4uinmd Well-Known Member

    Thanks, the Morgans in MS60 to 64 are more affordable and they damn sure look pretty!
     
    jello likes this.
  10. fish4uinmd

    fish4uinmd Well-Known Member

  11. fish4uinmd

    fish4uinmd Well-Known Member

    Yeah, but I DO NOT, under any circumstances, let it interfere with my Bd Light budget!
     
  12. bkozak33

    bkozak33 Collector

    I would put together a vf set.
     
    jello likes this.
  13. -jeffB

    -jeffB Greshams LEO Supporter

    Well, you could start from the other end and work backward.

    In fact, if you like Daniel Carr's work, you could start from beyond the end and work backward. :troll:
     
    dwhiz likes this.
  14. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins

    That's your birth year, right Frank?

    Sorry OP.......couldn't resist the pot shot. :)
     
  15. Start here. https://www.davidlawrence.com/books/the-complete-guide-to-barber-halves/ Best book available on the series. A bit outdated for pricing, but the other information is still very relevant.

    Also, along with TomB's article psted above, here is an article by Peter Shireman who currently has the Number #1 set at PCGS. http://www.hlrc.com/articles/BarberHalvesPeterShireman.pdf

    Lastly, join the fraternity. http://www.barbercoins.org/ I own all but about 7 back issues of the journal, so if you are ever looking for something, I am sure I can find it.

    My advice? Find some Barber collectors to lean on. Even before buying. Set your collecting goals (grade, condition etc.)

    When you are ready to buy, don't buy junk, cleaned or damaged coins. (unless that's your thing. Wouldn't be very challenging though) Don't be afraid to pay up for the super nice tough dates. And knowing those dates ties into leaning on other collectors.

    Kind of a quick post, but hopefully it was helpful.
     
    Paul M., McBlzr, medjoy and 3 others like this.
  16. doug5353

    doug5353 Well-Known Member

    If I were going to concentrate on a single series, I'd watch for patterns, off-center pieces, counterstamps, counterfeits, and mint errors too.
     
  17. Dancing Fire

    Dancing Fire Junior Member

    That is = to one MS63 per month. I'd love to buy a few 63/64's Barber Halves.
     
  18. fish4uinmd

    fish4uinmd Well-Known Member

    Thanks very much.
     
  19. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank


    I'm really gonna get 'cha!
     
  20. Patterns are pretty much out, unless one inherits the Smithsonian. Barber patterns are very rare.

    Mint errors are also pretty rare, but they are out there. They usually bring big money.

    There are plenty of counterfeits, new and old. Counterstamps seem to be available as well.
     
  21. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    LOL ! - I like it !

    You have no idea how tempted I was to click that "like" button :D
     
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page