1892-O 50C Micro O (Regular Strike)
Series: Barber Half Dollars 1892-1915
PCGS MS68
PCGS MS65
- PCGS #:
- 6463
- Designer:
- Charles E. Barber
- Edge:
- Reeded
- Diameter:
- 30.00 millimeters
- Weight:
- 12.50 grams
- Mintage:
- 390,000
- Mint:
- New Orleans
- Metal:
- 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Auction Record:
- $199,750 • MS68 • 05-26-2022 • Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More
| Survival Estimate | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 85 |
| 60 or Better | 20 |
| 65 or Better | 8 |
| Numismatic Rarity | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | R-8.1 |
| 60 or Better | R-9.1 |
| 65 or Better | R-9.6 |
| Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 1 / 74 |
| 60 or Better | 1 / 74 |
| 65 or Better | 1 / 74 |
| Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 1 / 74 |
| 60 or Better | 1 / 74 |
| 65 or Better | 1 / 74 |
Condition Census What Is This?
|
#1 MS68 PCGS grade
J. Colvin Randall Collection - Lyman H. Low 7/1903:969 - John M. Clapp Collection - John H. Clapp Collection, sold intact in 1942 - Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection - Bowers & Merena 4/1997:2065, $59,400 - Dale Friend Collection - Heritage 1/2009:3867, not sold |
|
#2 MS67 PCGS grade
William C. Atwater Collection - B. Max Mehl 6/1946:581 - James A. Stack Collection - Stack’s 3/1975:572 - Queller Family Collection of U.S. Half Dollars - Stack’s 10/2002:723, $80,500 - American Numismatic Rarities 7/2005:1186, $97,750 |
#4 MS65 PCGS grade
Hollinbeck Coin Co., sold privately in 5/1960 - R.E. Cox, Jr. Collection - Stack's 4/1962:2044 - David Akers, sold privately in 2004 - Dr. & Mrs. Steven L. Duckor Barber Half Dollar Collection - Heritage 8/2010:3174, $80,500 |
|
#4 MS65 PCGS grade
Superior 1/1989:4524 - Superior 10/1989:3770, $20,900 - Heritage 5/2008:743, $92,000 - Harry Laibstain, sold privately on 5/28/2008 - Dr. & Mrs. Peter K. Shireman Collection - Heritage 1/2016:5382, $85,188 |
|
#6 MS64 estimated grade
Paramount 1975:870 - Paramount “Auction ‘86” 7/1986:1659 - Dr. Thaine B. Price Collection - David Akers 5/1998:125 $55,000 - John C. Hugon Collection - Heritage 1/2005:4200, $69,000 - Joseph C. Thomas Collection - Heritage 1/2011:5571, $63,250 - Heritage 6/2011:3674, not sold |
|
#7 MS63 PCGS grade
Harry Laibstain - Dr. Peter K. Shireman - Michael F. Hayes - Elbesaar Collection (PCGS Set Registry Set) - Heritage 8/2011:7202, $37,375 |
|
#8 MS63 PCGS grade
Superior “Auction '81” 7/1981:755 - George "Buddy" Byers Collection - Stack's 10/2006:1312, $48,875 - Eugene H. Gardner Collection - Heritage 6/2014:30549, $36,013.75 |
| #8 MS63 PCGS grade |
| #8 MS63 estimated grade |
The 1892-O Micro O half dollar is the rarest in the Barber half dollar series. It is believed that the mintmark punch used by the engraver was meant for a quarter dollar rather than the half dollar. A population study was undertaken about 2003 by a member of the Barber Collectors Society (Michael Flanagan) and he published all known examples (certified and raw) for a total of just over 50 coins.
The 1892-O Micro O half dollar is usually well struck but often comes with a bit of weakness in the upper right shield and on the eagle's wing. Uncirculated examples often have proof-like or semi proof-like fields. A die crack through the date is seen in most examples. It is believed that the improperly-sized mintmark was discovered fairly early and that the die was then taken out of service, thus accounting for the relatively few examples that are known. This variety was discovered not very long afterwards and examples were sought even in the early 1900s.
-- Contributed by Dr. Peter Shireman
The Micro O can be identified not only by the its small size, but more importantly, the SHAPE of its Mint Mark. The left wall of the O is VERY THIN, while the right wall is VERY THICK. It is actually at least twice as thick as the left wall. Also the interior of the mint mark is shaped like an upright FOOTBALL. These features are diagnostic and can even be seen on well worn coins. The regular size 1892-O mint mark has EVEN SIDE WALLS and the interior is OVAL shaped, like the O in the word DOLLAR below it.
The Micro O is very rare. It is estimated that less than 100 exist in all grades. It may come as a surprise to some observers that several Mint State specimens exist. But one has to remember that this was a First Year issue and many were saved as souvenirs.