1897 Barber Half Dollar

1897 Barber half dollars offer coin collectors a few challenges. While the Philadelphia issue from the year is relatively plentiful, the branch mint pieces are very scarce coins and usually require the numismatist to search high and low for truly problem-free specimens that grade a full Good or better.

The mintage figures below help to illustrate the point with a little more clarity:

• 1897 – 2,480,000; $22

• 1897-O – 632,000; $170

• 1897-S – 933,900; $160

• 1897 proof – 731; $900

*Values are for coins in a grade of Good-4, unless otherwise noted.

The 1897-O and 1897-S halves are better dates that do come up with some frequency on auction sites but are generally hard to find without serious nicks, scratches, or evidence of a past cleaning. While some decent raw specimens are available, most numismatists who want to ensure they are buying the real McCoy will opt to buy any better dates in slabs from reputable third-party coin grading companies.

The proof specimen from 1897 is a great collectible for Barber half enthusiasts, but it is not needed to complete a date-and-mintmark set consisting only of business strike coins, which is commonly what most albums accommodate. If you are looking for any proof Barber half dollars, prepare to search far and wide.