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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:
285873
Designer:
Charles E. Barber
Obverse Designer:
Charles E. Barber
Obverse Lettering:
IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 1894
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:
1894-S
Denomination:
50c
Designation:
MS
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mint Mark:
S
Mintage:
4,048,690
Coinage Type:
Liberty head (Barber) half dollar
Coinage Years:
1892-1915
Composition:
90% silver; 10% copper
PCGS #:
86470
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Subject: I would like to contribute catalog info to CDN for 1894-S 50c MS PL
Body: Referring page: http://beta.greysheet.com/prices/item/1894-s-50c-barber-half-dollar-proof-like-surfaces/gsid/285873 GSID: 285873 Title: 1894-S 50c MS PL
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Coin Value History
1894-S 50c MS PL
Value By Grade
1894-S 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: $25 – $33,500
1892 50c MS
Worth: $28 – $33,500
1892-O 50c MS
Worth: $95 – $42,000
1892-S 50c MS
Worth: $110 – $27,500
1893 50c MS
Worth: $30 – $72,000
1893-O 50c MS
Worth: $29 – $9,600
1893-S 50c MS
Worth: $85 – $27,600
1894 50c MS
Worth: $27 – $18,720
1894-O 50c MS
Worth: $29 – $72,000
1894-S 50c MS
Worth: $27 – $21,600
1895 50c MS
Worth: $29 – $12,000
1895-O 50c MS
Worth: $27 – $27,000
1895-S 50c MS
Worth: $32 – $50,000
1896 50c MS
Worth: $31 – $24,000
1896-O 50c MS
Worth: $37 – $102,000
Greysheet News
The Business of Numismatics: September 2026 Greysheet Editor's Letter
9/7/2026
1893-S Morgan Dollar Realizes $1,181,250 at GreatCollections
Brings More Than 50% Over PCGS Price Guide — a Record for the Date in Gem Mint State.
9/4/2026
Whitman Publications Win Three 2026 NLG Awards
Whitman Brands walked away with a trio of honors during the annual Numismatic Literary Guild awards, held during the American Numismatic Association World's Fair of Money in Pittsburgh.
8/31/2026
Events
Heritage Auctions: US Coins Tuesday & Wednesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Heritage Auctions: World & Ancient Coins Wednesday & Thursday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Thursday, July 2, 2026
