1909-O 50C MS(PCGS#6517)

The August 2010 Boston Rarities Sale

Auctioneer

Bowers & Merena

Lot Number

586

Grade

MS64

Price

2,559

Lot Description

1909-O Barber Half Dollar. MS-64 (PCGS). The brief flirtation with type candidacy that the New Orleans Mint achieved with the 1908-O Barber Half Dollar gave way once again to the condition rarity for which this mintmarked silver series is known with the delivery of the 1909-O. For one a mintage of 925,400 pieces reported for the 1909-O represents a marked reduction from the 5.3 million coins achieved for the 1908-O. And of course, the 1909-O circulated widely beginning in the early 20th century, further enhancing the rarity of Mint State survivors. Veiled in warm silver-apricot iridescence, this piece is satiny in texture with a sharp-to-full strike. Given the lack of even trivial abrasions, overall muting to the luster explains why this coin has not advanced to the MS-65 grade level.