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The half dollars designed by Charles Barber from 1892-1915 were decidedly unpopular during their day. The coins were considered less attractive than their Seated predecessors and they did not wear well. That is, they looked really unattractive wen worn down, and this series was well circulated. Most key dates in the Barber half series are inexpensive in lower grades for this reason. The series has since become quite popular with collectors.
Obverse Description
Portrait of Liberty surrounded by 6 stars on the left periphery and 7 stars on the right. IN GOD WE TRUST is inscribed at the top with the date positioned at the bottom center.
Reverse Description
The heraldic eagle holding the symbolic olive branches and arrows is centered in the design with the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR around the periphery. A ribbon in the eagle's beak bears the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. 13 stars appear in the field above the eagle's head. Mintmark, if any, is positioned under the eagles tail feathers, above the D in DOLLAR.
Catalog Information
GSID:
346830
Designer:
Charles E. Barber
Obverse Designer:
Charles E. Barber
Obverse Lettering:
IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 1898
Reverse Designer:
Charles E. Barber
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, HALF DOLLAR, E PLURIBUS UNUM
Fineness:
0.9
Weight (gr):
12.5 gr
Weight (oz):
0.475 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.3617 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
30.6
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Reeded
Coin Date:
1898
Denomination:
50c
Designation:
MS
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
2,956,000
Coinage Type:
Liberty head (Barber) half dollar
Coinage Years:
1892-1915
Composition:
90% silver; 10% copper
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Subject: I would like to contribute catalog info to CDN for 1898 50c MS PL
Body: Referring page: http://www.greysheet.com/prices/item/1898-50c-barber-half-dollar-proof-like-surfaces/gsid/346830 GSID: 346830 Title: 1898 50c MS PL
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Coin Value History
1898 50c MS PL
Value By Grade
1898 50c MS PL
CPG (retail) values
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Pricing
Barber Half Dollar 50c 1892-1915 MS [Type]
![Barber Half Dollar 50c 1892-1915 MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ProductImages/DLRC/109xxx/49ef50f7-9a99-4533-b75d-70cc4bac762e.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $19 – $33,500
1892 50c MS
Worth: $22 – $33,500
1892-O 50c MS
Worth: $95 – $42,000
1892-S 50c MS
Worth: $110 – $27,500
1893 50c MS
Worth: $23 – $72,000
1893-O 50c MS
Worth: $23 – $9,600
1893-S 50c MS
Worth: $85 – $27,600
1894 50c MS
Worth: $21 – $18,720
1894-O 50c MS
Worth: $22 – $72,000
1894-S 50c MS
Worth: $21 – $21,600
1895 50c MS
Worth: $22 – $12,000
1895-O 50c MS
Worth: $21 – $27,000
1895-S 50c MS
Worth: $26 – $50,000
1896 50c MS
Worth: $24 – $24,000
1896-O 50c MS
Worth: $31 – $102,000
Greysheet News
Property from an Alabama Family, a World-Class Cabinet of Patterns, and Other Important Collections Anchor Stack's Bowers Galleries' November 2026 Rarities Night Auction
11/12/2026
Special Half Dollars Placed in Circulation
The U.S. Mint has randomly placed 250,000 privy-marked Enduring Liberty half dollars from the West Point Mint into circulation, a tribute to victims of terrorist attacks.
11/11/2026
1796 Coin in Post-ANA Auction Rarities Session
On September 1, Stack's Bowers conducted a Rarities Night session in California as part of this firm's post-ANA World's Fair of Money® auction extravaganza.
11/9/2026
Events
Heritage Auctions: US Currency Tuesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Heritage Auctions: World Paper Money Tuesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Heritage Auctions: World & Ancient Coins ANA Signature Auction & Platinum Session
Location: Heritage Auctions
Tuesday, September 1, 2026