1894 Barber Half Dollar (Liberty Head)
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Mintage | 1,148,972 |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Designer | Charles E. Barber |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-3994 |
Philadelphia struck 1,148,972 half dollars in 1894, continuing production through the worst of the 1890s depression. The Pullman Strike paralyzed the nation's railroads that summer after the Pullman Palace Car Company slashed wages without reducing rents in its company town. President Cleveland sent federal troops to break the strike over the objections of Illinois Governor John Peter Altgeld, setting a precedent for federal intervention in labor disputes that would echo for decades.
The economic disruption of 1894 kept half dollar mintage below two million at Philadelphia for the third consecutive year. Silver coins remained essential for daily commerce even during the depression, as paper currency faced periodic distrust. The 1894 is available in circulated grades at prices consistent with other mid-1890s Philadelphia dates. Examples in Good through Fine appear regularly, and collectors seeking a coin with complete LIBERTY can find Very Fine and Extremely Fine pieces with moderate searching. Uncirculated survivors are scarce but exist in small numbers.
| Grade | Description | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (G) | $47–$54 |
| VG-8 | Very Good (VG) | $59–$68 |
| F-12 | Fine (F) | $111–$128 |
| VF-20 | Very Fine (VF) | $180–$205 |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine (EF) | $240–$275 |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated (AU) | $320–$370 |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated (MS) | $530–$610 |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | $1,120–$1,185 |
This table is for educational purposes only and is intended to illustrate general market price trends and pricing steps between grades. Actual market conditions may vary significantly, especially for rarer pieces that often command premiums above the ranges shown here.
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