Barber coinage holds a unique and cherished place in American coin history. These coins, named after Chief Mint Engraver Charles E. Barber, were the workhorse coinage of the common man at around the turn of the century. ...

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Barber coinage holds a unique and cherished place in American coin history. These coins, named after Chief Mint Engraver Charles E. Barber, were the workhorse coinage of the common man at around the turn of the century. The coins — dime, quarter and half-dollar — all featured the same Liberty Head design on the obverse. The dime is slightly different because its reverse features an agricultural wreath of corn, cotton, tobacco and wheat while the quarters and half-dollars have a common reverse design that depicts an eagle with a Union shield on its breast.

In an era when the average working man made between $2 and $5 a week, these coins were the building blocks of daily transactions. And for 25 years, these coins served that role well. From blocks of ice in an age before electricity provided every home with a refrigerator to rent, clothes and food that added up to purchases of less than 50¢, these coins were the coins that paid the bills. That's why it's so tough to find nice Barber coins because they circulated so heavily. People worked hard and needed their Barbers coins to survive — not to save. Times have changed and you can own this complete type set of 90% silver Barber coins that saw general circulation — all in at least Fine condition!