1904-S 50C MS(PCGS#6500)

The Regency Auction 34

Auctioneer

Legend Rare Coin Auctions

Lot Number

285

Grade

MS65

Price

29,375

Lot Description

LRCA is pleased to present this GEM 04-S Barber half dollar. Scarcer than you would think based on the mintage, the 1904-S is a major condition rarity in the Barber half dollar series. This date always attracts lots of attention in Mint State grades, especially as you climb the ladder. One theory we have read is that the major 1906 San Francisco earthquake and subsequent fires were responsible for large numbers of banks, homes, and businesses being destroyed, and along with them, perhaps large quantities of these half dollars. The surfaces are smooth and devoid of all but the most insignificant little ticks that can only be seen with the aid of a powerful loupe. Richly toned, (like most of the higher grade examples that have sold recently) with pastel iridescent hues that gently blanket the obverse and reverse. As you rotate the pearly-lustrous surfaces in a light, the iridescent lilac, blue, gold, rose, and olive-tan hues come out. The color is a little more "speckled" on the reverse. The eye appeal is very unique and lovely. PCGS 5, NGC 2. An example brought $43,500 in an October 2015 internet-only auction, and this coin was offered in our September 2018 Regency Auction, where it brought $29,275. Even a non-CAC NGC coin brought nearly $30,000 back in 2012. The current PCGS Price Guide value is listed at $40,000. Keep in mind only five PCGS coins are finer, (valued at $72,500 in 66 and $105,000 in 67). Worthy of a very special set of Mint State Barber halves, this one will see lots of bidding activity before the gavel falls. Cert. Number 37754650 PCGS # 006500