 1904'S' Choice Brilliant Uncirculated. One of the key dates to the Barber Half Dollar series, with a low mintage of 553,038 pieces. Toned with dappled copper-russet flecks on both sides, which favor the fields near the devices and lettering. A satin-like sheen of lustre pleases the eye and confirms the originality in abundance, a feature lost today on most other examples. Close examination will find some minor ticks on the lower portion of Liberty's neck, a few on her cheek as well, but these are shallow and not unexpected. The strike is bold and complete, with full definition on the eagle's claw and arrow feathers. All in all, this is a wonderful example of this rare date, and a coin that would make a welcome addition to an advanced Barber collection.
For some reason, this date has never turned up in any quantity in Mint State, and years of study have confirmed that the 1904'S' is one of the most difficult dates to find in any grade, particularly so in Uncirculated condition. One of the prizes from the Northern Bay Collection and purchased from us over 45 years ago. It is interesting that the rarity of this issue was well known in 1962, and it brought roughly four fold that of a comparable common Barber Half Dollar. The rarity premium continues to grow and the 1904'S' has earned its way to the most valuable Barber Half in Uncirculated aside from the 1892 Micro 'O' variety. Certainly one of the finest examples of this date to cross our path, and we welcome it back again to assist it on the way to please another specialist. Hopefully it will return to us before 2051 for another auction appearance!
Ex Stack's Public Auction (March 1962, lot 288 at a strong $290).
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