Semi-Key 1913 Barber Half Dollar Proves Challenging for Series Enthusiasts
June 23, 2026
The Barber Half Dollar has long been recognized by collectors as a deceivingly difficult series to complete, even in a setting where every coin must grade “only” G4. Unless you’re familiar with the nuances and history of the Barber Half Dollar, it may seem strange that completing a set of these coins in, say, G4 or VG8 is so tough.
That is, until you realize that the Barber Half Dollar, designed by Charles E. Barber and in production from 1892 through 1915, was a workhorse coin of its day. Couple that with the coins’ oft-anemic mintages, and the overriding challenges of collecting this series become much clearer. It all certainly helps to explain the backstory of a rather formidable coin like the 1913 Barber Half Dollar.
From PCGS