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The Barber coinage, also known as the Liberty Head coinage, refers to a series of U.S. coins that were designed by Charles E. Barber and minted from 1892 to 1916. The coins were issued during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and feature the head of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. Quite a strikingly nice looking elegant coin especially the proof versions.

The Barber coinage includes the dime, quarter, and half dollar denominations, and was introduced as a replacement for the Seated Liberty coinage that had been in use since the 1830s. The new design was selected through a public competition, in which artists were invited to submit their designs for the new coinage. However, none of the submissions were deemed satisfactory, and the task was ultimately given to Barber, who was the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time.

The Barber dime features Liberty’s head on the obverse, with a wreath of laurel and oak leaves on the reverse. The Barber quarter features Liberty’s head on the obverse, with an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch on the reverse. The Barber half dollar also features Liberty’s head on the obverse, with an eagle on the reverse that is perched on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch.

The Barber coinage was widely used in circulation but was not as popular with the public as other contemporary coins, such as the Morgan dollar. The designs were criticized for their lack of artistic merit and were often called “homely” or “ugly”. Despite this, the Barber coinage remains a popular collectible item among coin enthusiasts and is prized for its historical significance and unique design

Reasons why people love the Barber coin series:

1. Historical Significance: The Barber coin series was minted during a period of significant change in the United States, including the expansion of the country westward and the industrial revolution. As such, the coins are considered important artifacts of American history.
2. Attractive Design: Many collectors appreciate the simple yet elegant design of the Barber coins, which feature Liberty on the obverse (front) and a bald eagle on the reverse (back). The design is considered classic and timeless especially in higher grades or proof versions.
3. Rarity: Some coins in the series are considered relatively rare, particularly those minted in certain years or at certain mints. This makes the Barber coin series a challenging and exciting series to collect.

Affordability: While some coins in the series can be quite rare and expensive, many are relatively affordable for collectors on a budget. This makes the series accessible to a wide range of collectors.