1902 50C MS65 认证号25200572, PCGS号6492

Ron Guth

The 1902 Half Dollar is a common date that is readily available in all grades including Mint State.  Akers' perception of this date as being difficult to locate in true Gem condition is a bit overstated, in light of modern population reports.  In MS65, the 1902 is actually the ninth most populous date, according to the PCGS Population Report.  In MS66, it is no different than many other dates -- yes, it is rare, but no more so than the 1894-S, 1895-S, 1896-S, 1898-O and several others.  MS67 is where this date really shines.  To date, only one PCGS MS67 example has arisen, that being the remarkable coin from the Price and Duckor collections.

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David Akers

The 1902 has one of the highest mintage figures in the entire series, just short of 5,000,000 pieces, yet for some reason it is extremely difficult to locate in Gem condition. To be sure, lower grade mint state pieces can be located with a little diligence, but true Gems...are almost non-existent. One would have better luck finding some of the more highly regarded mintmarked issues of the 1890's in Gem condition than one would have of locating a comparable quality 1902 Barber Half Dollar.