1897-S Barber Half Dollar. MS-67 (PCGS). CAC.A phenomenal example from this key-date issue with subtle golden iridescence to accent the brilliant surfaces. The fields are considerably reflective and icy, providing a sharp contrast against the satiny design elements. Dramatic die polishing surrounds the reverse devices and the eye appeal is truly superior. This piece has long been recognized as one of the finest known survivors, having been cherished in the advanced collections of Dale Friend (2009), Steven Duckor (2010), and Eugene H. Gardner (2015). Gardner impressively owned two additional Gem Mint State 1897-S half dollars besides the current piece, including a duplicate offered in Part III (now MS-67+ PCGS) and the Pittman specimen (MS-66 NGC) sold in Part IV (October 2015).PCGS CoinFacts ranks this piece in second place on their Condition Census behind the Gardner:98521 duplicate and tied at MS-67 with the Eliasberg, Northern Bay, and two other specimens, including the sole MS-68 (NGC) example. Two coins are listed finer on the PCGS Population Report, though this number may represent a duplicate submission. As a rule, the New Orleans and San Francisco mint issues in the Barber half dollar series of 1892 to 1915 saw extensive commercial use since their respective year of issue, the typical survivor in numismatic hands a well worn coin in AG, Good or VG. With a limited mintage of 933,900 pieces, the 1897-S is scarcer than most issues in this group, even in worn condition. In Mint State the 1897-S is nothing short of rare, the few coins extant at that level likely set aside by contemporary numismatists. Exceptionally well preserved with eye appeal to spare, this premium MS-67 example is among the finest certified and would do justice to even the most advanced cabinet or Registry Set. Ex Heritages sale of the Dale Friend #2 All-Time PCGS Registry Set, January 2009, lot 3878; Heritages sale of the Dr. & Mrs. Steven L. Duckor Collection, August 2010, lot 3190; Joseph OConnor, privately, October 2010; Heritages sale of the Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part III, May 2015, lot 98522.
