1903 50C MS(PCGS#6495)

June 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2133

Grade

MS66

Price

10,370

Lot Description

This endearing Gem exhibits crescents of reddish-apricot, cobalt blue and antique gold peripheral toning, the colors most expansive along the lower right obverse border. The centers are veiled in pale silvery tinting, all areas fully lustrous with a soft satin texture. Fully defined and expertly preserved, it is little wonder that this coin ranks among the finest circulation strike 1903 half dollars known to PCGS.<p>Writing in his 1991 reference on Barber half dollars, David Lawrence sums up the significance of this offering when he describes the 1903 as: "One of the real 'sleepers' in the series. Much tougher [sic] than its mintage indicates in all grades...Where have they all gone? Nice, original lustrous specimens are extremely hard to find." Dave Bowers agrees, the comment in his 2019 <em>Guide Book on Barber Silver Coins</em> also providing one clue to the mystery of this issue's rarity in the finest grades: "Another high-mintage Barber half dollar of which gem-Mint State coins are rare. Interested collectors at the time ordered Proofs." A surprise condition rarity from a relatively generous mintage of 2,278,000 circulation strikes, here is an important bidding opportunity for the sharp-eyed bidder.