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- Product ID: 20400
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Only established in 1906, the Denver Mint mainly focused on commemorative coins but also participated in the Barber Half Dollar production. In 1921, the Denver joined forces with its sister branches to help produce the Morgan silver dollar, that was soon changed to the Peace silver dollar. Since the Denver Mint was established much later than the other mints, its participation in major coin collections was limited causing collectors to put any silver coin with a "D" mint-mark at the top of their collecting list. The 1912-D Barber Half Dollar has an average mintage and is in fine condition. Collectors expect fine condition to exhibit a healthy amount of abrasion on both sides of the coin and the main image details are worn as well.
The Barber design was named after the US Mint's Chief Engraver, William Barber. The coins were in circulation from 1892-1916, but the half dollar wasn't minted the last couple of years before the series ended. The Seated Liberty design had run its course and the Mint's Director, Edward Leech, wanted to officially change the design. Holding a competition, Leech wanted to encourage participation by giving the winner a cash prize. All of the local artists invited declined and Leech resorted to his mint for direction. William Barber was ultimately assigned the task to create a new design for the US currency, that would replace the Seated Liberty. The new design was received with mixed emotions and would be replaced in 1916. The Barber design lasted much longer in circulation after Barber passed away and was succeeded by his son, Charles. The Barber Half Dollars were forged with 90% silver and are considered highly collectible.