Award-winning author Q. David Bowers offers fresh insight into the 1892-1916 silver coinage of U.S. Mint engraver Charles E. Barber. These coins were the workhorses of American commerce at the dawn of an age of exciting innovation. Bowers traces the history of Barber's coinage through the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era to the brink of America's entry into the Great War, alongside the birth of record players, automobiles, and moving pictures. The Guide Book of Barber Silver Coins gives advice and instructions on grading and smart collecting, along with retail prices in up to 12 grades (including Proofs), and a close study of every date and mintmark for Barber dimes, quarters, and half dollars.
Appendices explore artist Charles Barber's personal life, the mints where his coins were struck, remarkable error coins, and related topics. New in the updated third edition: Coin-by-coin comparison of historical and current market values. Historical photographs. Barber coin love tokens. Research on the 1894-S dime. and more. Bowers introduces a new generation of collectors to Charles Barber, and fuels their passion for his important and wonderful coins." * John Frost, president of the Barber Coin Collectors' Society * "A landmark account touching on every aspect of Barber's fascinating coinage.
" Kenneth Bressett, editor emeritus of the Guide Book of United States Coins TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword Publisher's Preface Introduction How to Use This Book Chapter 1: New Coinage of 1892 Chapter 2: Collecting Barber Coins Chapter 3: The American Scene, 1892-1916 Chapter 4: Barber Dimes, 1892-1916 Chapter 5: Barber Quarters, 1892-1916 Chapter 6: Barber Half Dollars, 1892-1915 Appendix A: Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber Appendix B: The Real Story of the 1894-S Barber Dime Appendix C: Mints for the Barber Coinage Appendix D: Mint Directors and Superintendents, 1892-1916 Appendix E: Remarkable Barber Coin Errors Appendix F: A New Look at Charles Barber Notes Selected Bibliography Credits and Acknowledgments About the Author Index.