Likely Finest Known 1902-S Barber Half
Whether as a date or for type, this is an exceptional Mint State Barber Half. The obverse toning is a creamy, faint yellow and amber, while the reverse exhibits areas of deeper amber and russet with blue and violet highlights. The luster is full and satiny with a rolling cartwheel, the only significant contact mark is in the upper shield on reverse, and the roller marks typical of this date are shallow enough to be almost invisible.
PCGS has certified two 1902-S Barber Halves as MS67+, and one as MS67, all of which are included in the CAC Census as MS67. Of those, this specimen has long been considered the finest known.
PCGS #16398733
Provenance
Dr. Thaine B. Price; David Akers, May 1998, lot 156 @ $18,700 as PCGS MS66; Dr. Steven Duckor; Heritage Auctions “Dr. and Mrs. Steven L. Duckor Barber Half Dollar Collection”, August 2010, lot 3205 @ $32,200 as PCGS MS67+; Heritage Auctions “Greensboro V”, August 2015, lot 4086 @ $28,200 as PCGS MS67+.