1908 Proof Barber Half Dollar

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1908

Denomination

Half Dollar

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Proof

Series

Barber Half Dollars 1892-1915

Designer

Charles E. Barber

Mintage

545

Composition

90% Silver, 10% Copper

Weight

12.5g

Diameter

30mm

Edge

Reeded

Value Estimates

$1,367 - $1,367

Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.

Auction Record

$10,350 PR68 01-06-2010 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1908 Proof Barber Half Dollar is a proof half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Barber Half Dollars 1892-1915 series. With a mintage of 545, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 5 mint variants, representing only less than 1% of total production. The obverse features Liberty facing right wearing a Phrygian cap topped by a laurel wreath, with the word LIBERTY on a headband and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Produced during the Progressive Era, when President Theodore Roosevelt championed a renaissance in American coin design that produced some of the most beautiful coins ever struck. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $1.4K. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6555.