Charles E. Barber was the Sixth engraver to the Philadelphia Mint. Born in London in 1840, he emigrated to the United States with his father, William, in about 1865 when his father became the Assistant to the Forth Engraver, Longacre.

Charles was appointed as Assistant engraver in 1869 when his father succeeded Longacre. He, in turn, succeeded as Engraver after his father's death in 1879, the appointment being made in 1880. He is best known as the designer of the US 5 cent struck between 1883 and 1913 (the Barber Nickel - also responsible for a Dime, Quarter and Half Dollar). In addition to his coins, he did much medallic work for the mint.

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