1904 50C MS(PCGS#6498)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4298

Grade

MS66+

Price

6,600

Lot Description

Rich originality for this lovely coin takes the form of warm rose-gray patina with intermingled olive and reddish-russet iridescence. Universally sharply defined - a feature not always noted in circulation strikes of this design type - with a full endowment of smooth, billowy mint luster. Apart from the first year 1892 and a few of the later dates such as the 1915-D and 1915-S, no issue in the Barber half dollar series can rightly be called common in Mint State. Writing in the still-relevant 1991 reference <em>The Complete Guide to Barber Halves</em>, David Lawrence nicely sums up the situation regarding the circulation strike 1904:<p><em>Fairly scarce for a P-mint of high mintage [2,992,000]. Underrated in all grades above VG. Extremely tough in MS.</em><p>He closes with the advice: "Pick this coin off in MS in you can." As the finest certified that we can ever recall offering, Lawrence's suggestion is particularly appropriate for this handsome premium Gem in NGC MS-66+.