An interesting example of the last of the so-called “Philippine” dates, named as such as a considerable amount of the 1898 - 1900 San Francisco Mint production of all three Barber denominations went to the Archipelago to replace Spanish Colonial coinage after the 1898 Spanish-American War. Less of the 1900 dated issue went than the other two, making these more available today, more so as a number were saved as souvenirs of the new Millennium. It is my opinion that this coin is such a survivor. It shows no wear, but has a number of small marks over the more exposed Obverse, typical of a coin saved randomly in a “can lot”. Liberty’s cheek is a typical target for such minor hits. This appears to have been struck from well used dies, with a die crack connecting Liberty’s bust to the rim, as well as the Reverse missing some detail due to heavy polishing. This was not a high mintage date necessarily, so possibly this was struck near the end of the Fiscal Year to fill out orders for U. S. banks, which helps explain it’s survival. Offered at the theoretical value of an MS-60/61; I say theoretical as virtually none exist in PCGS or NGC holders (maybe 20 after almost 40 years).

1115-02