Thread: Charles Barber gets a bad wrap

Whatever the merits of the Saint-Gaudens' coin designs, Charles Barber gets a bad wrap. Everywhere you read, you get the impression that Barber was an uninspired, workman like artist. And in fact, he is not only very inspired, but he seemed to understand the coin as a medium for transmiting art better than anyone of his day, except perhaps Morgan.

The Barber quarters and halfs are beautiful designs which stand on their own. The eagles wing span which brakes out into the external lettering allows for the bird to jump out, off the coin, while retaining the integrety of the design. In other words, Barbers guenis allowed for a highly 3 dimensional illusion without having to resort to exagerated relief which doesn't wear well in circulation.

And for this he seems to get smacked down pretty good.

Ruben

The problem with the Barbers, as I see it, is that both father and son were in charge of mint designs for such a long period. After all, Charles Barber succeeded his father William in 1880 who was responsible for designs from 1869 to 1879. Charles' tenure alone lasted from 1880 to his death in 1917. So for almost 50 years, the Barbers pretty much had their way with our coin designs!

Consequently, this LONG run by both Barbers really hampered any inspiration or creativity. Why? It was their way or the highway. Read how Victor Brenner fought Charles Barber when the first Lincolns were minted and you will see what I mean. Sure they hit a few home runs (i.e., the quarter/half dollar, especially the reverse), but it was Teddy Roosevelt that ultimately was bored with most of the Barber designs that prompted changes.

Thank God!

Originally Posted by samjimmy

I honestly would have disagreed with you, but have changed my opinion. I still like many of the other designs more, but the Barbers are growing on me.

Based on those photo's I think one needs to really apreciate how nice those coins are and give a fairer accessment of Barbers talent away from the politics. Saying that Barber was not a master of the art would be just not correct.

This is not to say that other coins and designers are not with merit (The walking liberty, indian head 2 1/2 gold, Buffalo Nickle). But frankly, we seem to be missing something in todays coins. Compared to the Barber quarter, the Washington Quarter looks terrible and ages very poorly. Washingto ALWAYS LOOKS BALD.

Ruben

I like the reverse of the Barber quarters and halves, but I remain convinced that the Barber dimes are the worst-looking coins of that denomination to be issued, at least until the Roosevelt (I'm not a fan of presidential profiles on coins)

Originally Posted by I Palindrome I

I like the reverse of the Barber quarters and halves, but I remain convinced that the Barber dimes are the worst-looking coins of that denomination to be issued, at least until the Roosevelt (I'm not a fan of presidential profiles on coins)

The Rooservelt dime is just aweful....another baldie

I love Barber Halves....I want to do a collection of circulated ones but so far haven't started much....I got a few (one was a 1897-S) in part of a hoard I bought....

Speedy