Okay, I know I shouldn't be spending money on auctions, but I was told I can't take it with me, so I might as well enjoy myself spending it. I've been spending time on little auction houses, putting in ridiculous bids, and winning some. I just received one of the latest wins; a Walking Liberty half, Barber Head quarter, and a Barber Head dime (I've never dealt with Barber coins, but why do they call them Barber Head, when it is the head of Lady Liberty?). Anyway, I got the group for $9, which is below melt for them. So, I looked them over and see an anomaly that I can't figure out, so I'm reaching out to you guys for opinions. The quarter has an outline around the head. Not just one side, but like a halo around the entire head. I did a quick search of errors, but my medications are clouding my brain, so help me out here.
Looks to be a scratch to me, but if you got the lot for under melt, you're doing well. They just kept the namesake of the designer I guess as to why they call them Barber coinage.
I don't think I've ever heard them called that. Only as Barber Dime and Barber Quarter.. But the designer is.. Charles Edward Barber (November 16, 1840 – February 18, 1917) was an American coin engraver who served as the sixth chief engraver of the United States Mint from 1879 until his death in 1917.
For all members…Wikipedia has an excellent article titled “Barber Coinage”. Barber was Chief Engraver for 38 years, did the dime, quarter and half dollar. His design was everywhere for a long, long time. Six-pointed stars on the obverse, five-pointed stars on the reverse…lots of good to know stuff. …Spark
Tooled/scratched. Looks like somebody had too much time on their hands in History class while waiting for the pizza to be delivered.
