Finding quality mental healthcare in the United States can be a nightmare. Therapy is often expensive, and many therapists do not accept health insurance or have long waiting lists for new patients. And for active men, there are also cultural barriers to accessing mental healthcare.
The ideal American man that we see in the movies and professional sports–or even fitness magazines–is strong both physically and mentally, never showing weakness. Societal expectations around masculinity discourage men from seeking help, and the shortage of male mental health professionals further compounds the issue.
These barriers to accessing care have created a huge gender gap in mental health treatment. Though about ten percent of American men have clinically significant depression or anxiety symptoms less than half are receiving treatment, and women are almost twice as likely as men to be receiving mental healthcare.
Admitting you need help is difficult. But so is finding care. The process of finding a compatible therapist within the constraints of insurance coverage can be daunting, leading many men to delay or neglect mental healthcare. Addressing these barriers is crucial to ensuring that men can readily get the support they need.
Thankfully, Mindful Care is pioneering a new mental healthcare model that is breaking down barriers to accessing care. Founded by Dr. Tamir Aldad, a trained addiction psychiatrist, Mindful Care is revolutionizing the mental healthcare space via the urgent care model, bringing fast and effective care to everyone.
The average person must wait six weeks to see a psychiatrist, but Mindful Care is able to offer same day appointments to new patients–just like the primary urgent care clinics we all know.
Mindful Care’s multi-state network of clinics all provide same-day, in-network services, including medication management, therapy, and substance use counseling. A firm believer in accessible and affordable care, Dr. Aldad has ensured that Mindful Care’s services are in-network with major insurance carriers and they provide reasonable private-pay options.
The easily accessible services at Mindful Care are a great option for men who find it hard to ask for help. You can reach out to the Mindful Care team and receive care that same day, no drawn-out and demoralizing search for a therapist is required.
Mindful Care also offers a wide array of therapy services and styles. Sometimes traditional, hour-long talk therapy sessions are a poor fit for men who struggle to open up and talk about their feelings. Mindful Care offers MicroTherapy sessions that are twenty minutes long, providing quick but effective support. MicroTherapy offers targeted care and coping strategies that focus on immediate relief, a great fit for patients who are new to therapy or have busy schedules.
For too long, men’s mental healthcare has been neglected, but mental and physical health are inexorably linked. In a world that’s slowly acknowledging the importance of mental health, Mindful Care is helping to make quality care a reality. The psychiatric urgent care model is bringing mental healthcare to the people, helping build a world where timely mental healthcare is accessible to everyone.
M&F and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
Gold sticks near all-time high, remaining solidly above the $2,100 an ounce threshold early Wednesday, boosted by this morning’s jobs report, as investors awaited testimony from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
For February, 140,000 positions were added by private U.S. companies, that’s a bit below the Dow Jones estimate of 150,000. This ADP report precedes Friday’s release of the Labor Department’s more closely watched nonfarm payrolls release.
Anticipation of coming interest rate cuts is fueling gold’s recent rally. Lower interest rates are considered bullish for the yellow metal, making it a more attractive asset for investors. Gold also has support from haven demand related to the conflict in the Middle East.
Front-month gold futures rose 0.7% Tuesday to settle at $2,141.90 an ounce on Comex, and the most-active April contract gained 2.2% during the first two days of the week. Bullion dropped 0.6% in February after declining 0.2% in January and gaining 0.7% in December. The metal rose 13% in 2023. The April contract is currently up $12.90 (+0.60%) an ounce to $2154.80 and the DG spot price is $2145.20.
Powell is set to testify before Congress on Wednesday and Thursday amid speculation that the Fed will cut interest rates in June, ending its two-year effort to tame inflation. The markets will be watching the congressionally mandated appearances for more information on how the Fed plans to begin implementing rate cuts.
The monthly jobs report for February comes out Friday from the Labor Department. But before that, the private payrolls report from ADP comes out Wednesday, followed by weekly initial jobless claims from the Labor Department on Thursday. The Fed closely tracks both labor market and inflation data when determining monetary policy.
Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said in comments published this week that he expects the central bank to pause after the first rate cut to gauge its economic impact. He’s estimated that cuts will begin in the third quarter.
About 97% of the investors tracked by the CME FedWatch Tool are betting that the Fed will keep rates unchanged this month, while 3% expect a 25 basis point cut. Most investors tracked by the tool also anticipate the Fed will hold rates steady at the following policy meeting in May. Most are now looking to June for a rate cut.
The central bank has raised interest rates by 5.25 percentage points since March 2022 in an effort to cut inflation, but kept rates unchanged at 5.25% to 5.50% at its last meeting.
The Fed is targeting 2% inflation. The Fed’s favorite inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures price index, came in in line with economists’ estimates last week. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, so-called core-PCE increased 0.4% month on month in January and 2.8% from a year earlier. Top-line PCE, including food and energy costs, increased 0.3% for the month and 2.4% on a 12-month basis.
In other news, more than a dozen U.S. states held Democratic and Republican primary elections Tuesday, which were overwhelmingly won by incumbent President Joe Biden and his predecessor, former President Donald Trump. The primaries take the two a giant step closer to facing off in the general election in November.
Front-month silver futures slipped 0.7 cent Tuesday to settle at $23.98 an ounce on Comex, though the May contract rallied 2.7% in the first two days of the week. Silver lost 1.2% in February after falling 3.8% in January and dropping 6.1% in December. It ticked up 0.2% in 2023. The May contract is currently up $0.306 (+1.28%) an ounce to $24.290 and the DG spot price is $24.06.
Spot palladium decreased 1.3% Tuesday to $961.00 an ounce and is down 0.7% so far this week. Palladium fell 4.6% in February after tumbling 11% in January and advancing 8.6% in December. Palladium plummeted 38% last year. Currently, the DG spot price is up $80.60 an ounce to $1035.50.
Spot platinum slid 1.7% Tuesday to $889.10 an ounce and is down 0.2% so far this week. Platinum decreased 4.9% in February after falling 8% in January and rising 8.1% in December. Platinum dropped 6.8% in 2023. The DG spot price is currently up $16.90 an ounce to $906.10.
Disclaimer: This editorial has been prepared by Dillon Gage Metals for information and thought-provoking purposes only and does not purport to predict or forecast actual results. This editorial opinion is not to be construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding any particular security, commodity, or course of action. Opinions expressed herein cannot be attributable to Dillon Gage. Reasonable people may disagree about the events discussed or opinions expressed herein. In the event any of the assumptions used herein do not come to fruition, results are likely to vary substantially. It is not a solicitation or advice to make any exchange in commodities, securities, or other financial instruments. No part of this editorial may be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Dillon Gage Metals. Dillon Gage Metals shall not have any liability for any damages of any kind whatsoever relating to this editorial. You should consult your advisers with respect to these areas. By posting this editorial, you acknowledge, understand, and accept this disclaimer.
Gold sticks near all-time high, remaining solidly above the $2,100 an ounce threshold early Wednesday, boosted by this morning’s jobs report, as investors awaited testimony from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
For February, 140,000 positions were added by private U.S. companies, that’s a bit below the Dow Jones estimate of 150,000. This ADP report precedes Friday’s release of the Labor Department’s more closely watched nonfarm payrolls release.
Anticipation of coming interest rate cuts is fueling gold’s recent rally. Lower interest rates are considered bullish for the yellow metal, making it a more attractive asset for investors. Gold also has support from haven demand related to the conflict in the Middle East.
Front-month gold futures rose 0.7% Tuesday to settle at $2,141.90 an ounce on Comex, and the most-active April contract gained 2.2% during the first two days of the week. Bullion dropped 0.6% in February after declining 0.2% in January and gaining 0.7% in December. The metal rose 13% in 2023. The April contract is currently up $12.90 (+0.60%) an ounce to $2154.80 and the DG spot price is $2145.20.
Powell is set to testify before Congress on Wednesday and Thursday amid speculation that the Fed will cut interest rates in June, ending its two-year effort to tame inflation. The markets will be watching the congressionally mandated appearances for more information on how the Fed plans to begin implementing rate cuts.
The monthly jobs report for February comes out Friday from the Labor Department. But before that, the private payrolls report from ADP comes out Wednesday, followed by weekly initial jobless claims from the Labor Department on Thursday. The Fed closely tracks both labor market and inflation data when determining monetary policy.
Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said in comments published this week that he expects the central bank to pause after the first rate cut to gauge its economic impact. He’s estimated that cuts will begin in the third quarter.
About 97% of the investors tracked by the CME FedWatch Tool are betting that the Fed will keep rates unchanged this month, while 3% expect a 25 basis point cut. Most investors tracked by the tool also anticipate the Fed will hold rates steady at the following policy meeting in May. Most are now looking to June for a rate cut.
The central bank has raised interest rates by 5.25 percentage points since March 2022 in an effort to cut inflation, but kept rates unchanged at 5.25% to 5.50% at its last meeting.
The Fed is targeting 2% inflation. The Fed’s favorite inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures price index, came in in line with economists’ estimates last week. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, so-called core-PCE increased 0.4% month on month in January and 2.8% from a year earlier. Top-line PCE, including food and energy costs, increased 0.3% for the month and 2.4% on a 12-month basis.
In other news, more than a dozen U.S. states held Democratic and Republican primary elections Tuesday, which were overwhelmingly won by incumbent President Joe Biden and his predecessor, former President Donald Trump. The primaries take the two a giant step closer to facing off in the general election in November.
Front-month silver futures slipped 0.7 cent Tuesday to settle at $23.98 an ounce on Comex, though the May contract rallied 2.7% in the first two days of the week. Silver lost 1.2% in February after falling 3.8% in January and dropping 6.1% in December. It ticked up 0.2% in 2023. The May contract is currently up $0.306 (+1.28%) an ounce to $24.290 and the DG spot price is $24.06.
Spot palladium decreased 1.3% Tuesday to $961.00 an ounce and is down 0.7% so far this week. Palladium fell 4.6% in February after tumbling 11% in January and advancing 8.6% in December. Palladium plummeted 38% last year. Currently, the DG spot price is up $80.60 an ounce to $1035.50.
Spot platinum slid 1.7% Tuesday to $889.10 an ounce and is down 0.2% so far this week. Platinum decreased 4.9% in February after falling 8% in January and rising 8.1% in December. Platinum dropped 6.8% in 2023. The DG spot price is currently up $16.90 an ounce to $906.10.
Disclaimer: This editorial has been prepared by Dillon Gage Metals for information and thought-provoking purposes only and does not purport to predict or forecast actual results. This editorial opinion is not to be construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding any particular security, commodity, or course of action. Opinions expressed herein cannot be attributable to Dillon Gage. Reasonable people may disagree about the events discussed or opinions expressed herein. In the event any of the assumptions used herein do not come to fruition, results are likely to vary substantially. It is not a solicitation or advice to make any exchange in commodities, securities, or other financial instruments. No part of this editorial may be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Dillon Gage Metals. Dillon Gage Metals shall not have any liability for any damages of any kind whatsoever relating to this editorial. You should consult your advisers with respect to these areas. By posting this editorial, you acknowledge, understand, and accept this disclaimer.
I switched my pots and pans to Caraway Cookware a year ago to see if the brand lives up to the hype. This is my honest review of how my Caraway Cookware has held up to daily use – feeding a family of five – over the last year. If you’ve been debating whether or not to buy Caraway products, read this.
I’d seen Caraway’s best-selling cookware set everywhere, so when I knew I wanted to upgrade my pots and pans, I decided to give Caraway a try.
Caraway features ceramic-coated products that are free of harsh chemicals. This was a big selling point for me, because I’ve been taking steps to switch to nontoxic products and kitchen essentials throughout my home. The ceramic coating is also advertised as being very easy to clean.
The Caraway pots and pans have a clean, aesthetic look and come with free organizers. But like other viral products – I wanted to know if the set would be worth it. (Spoiler: I think it is!)
I’ve used the Caraway cookware set daily for over a year and am really pleased with how the pots and pans have held up. Naturally, you can tell my pans are well-loved (hello egg residue on the side of my fry pan). But the scratch-resistant ceramic coating is just as great as it was on day one.
I’ve also had the full bakeware set for over a year. I use the large baking sheet and loaf pan most often, and both are still in great condition. Although my loaf pan did get one bad knife scratch; you want to be really careful with the knives and utensils you use on nonstick coating.
Caraway offers 100% non-toxic cookware, bakeware, prep sets and food storage containers. I use the large sheet pan and sauté pan most. This ceramic-coated cookware has a naturally slick surface — you can use minimal oil and butter with this cookware and your food will still slide right out of the pan.
The cookware set is Caraway’s best-selling set of four non-stick ceramic pans. The set includes everything you need for healthy cooking on the stove or oven.
If I had to choose one pan, it would be the sauté pan — it holds up to a whole day’s worth of meals and is a breeze to clean.
The cookware set comes with magnetic organizers and a canvas lid holder (at no extra cost) to keep your cabinets or countertops clean and tidy.
The prep set is a staple in my kitchen – it includes four knives, five wooden utensils, and storage organization that looks nice on my countertop!
Like all other Caraway products, the prep set is non-toxic and eco-friendly.
Not only do the tools in this prep set work great (hello, easy meal prep), I love how this set looks in my kitchen. It’s great to have the kitchen utensils I use daily in an accessible location thanks to the modular, magnetic organizers. Plus, this storage system keeps the knives sharp and the utensils tidy.
Is Caraway Worth It?
In my opinion – yes! With its focus on safety, durability, and versatility, Caraway makes meal prep a breeze. And the best part is the easy clean up; all the pans wash so nicely. Here are my pros and cons after using Caraway cookware for over a year.
Pros of Caraway
Non-toxic materials: Caraway cookware is made with non-toxic ceramic coating that is free from harmful chemicals like PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium. This makes it safer for cooking.
Even heat distribution: These products feature aluminum cores, which ensure even heat distribution, preventing hot spots and allowing for precise cooking.
Easy to clean: The non-stick ceramic coating makes Caraway cookware easy to clean. I typically only have to wipe them down with a sponge or cloth and rinse them!
Versatility: Caraway products are suitable for use on various stovetops, including gas, electric and induction.
Stylish design: I love that Caraway products comes in a range of beautiful colors and sleek designs.
Cons of Caraway
Price: Caraway cookware tends to be on the pricier side compared to traditional non-stick cookware, so it may not fit everyone’s budget.
Not dishwasher safe: While Caraway cookware is advertised as easy to clean, it’s generally recommended that you hand wash these items to preserve the integrity of the ceramic coating.
Limited temperature range: Caraway cookware may not be suitable for high-temperature cooking methods like broiling or searing, as excessive heat can damage the ceramic coating.
How Much Does Caraway Cost?
Caraway products are sold directly through their website. They offer various purchasing options, whether you’re looking to buy a complete set of cookware or add individual pieces to your collection.
Caraway offers bundles or sets that include multiple pieces of cookware at a discounted price (compared to buying each item individually). Caraway also sells individual pieces separately, which allows customers to customize their kitchen setup according to their specific needs and preferences.
The 4-piece ceramic cookware set that I own costs $395 and includes a fry pan, sauce pan, sauté pan, Dutch oven and organizers. Other sets range from $200-$595 depending on the quantity of items in the set.
Individual cookware items may range from $90 to $195 each, depending on the size and type of cookware item.
My most used and most recommend item is the sauté pan. It holds up to a whole day’s worth of meals and is a breeze to clean.
Cookware Set
100% non-toxic, ceramic-coated, non-stick pans. The best in-home cookware (and so easy to clean)!
⭐️ Click below to get 10% off automatically applied at checkout!
Caraway cookware distinguishes itself with its non-toxic ceramic coating that ensures a safer cooking experience free from harmful chemicals. Their ceramic-coated cookware has a naturally slick surface so you can use minimal oil and butter and your food will still slide right out of the pan. Caraway offers a variety of easy-to-clean kitchen essentials.
How Long Will Caraway Pans Last?
The longevity of Caraway pans will vary depending on factors like usage, care and maintenance. That said, with proper care, they are designed to last for several years of regular use. I’ve personally been using my Caraway pans and food storage containers for the last year. I’ve found that they are durable and the scratch-resistant ceramic coating has held up to daily use. But I do think how you care for the pans is really important: hand washing, and using wood cooking utensils really helps.
What Is Ceramic Cookware?
Ceramic cookware is metal cookware that is finished in a ceramic coating. A ceramic finish makes products nonstick, easy to clean, and induction-compatible.
How Long Does The Caraway Ceramic Coating Last?
While all nonstick pans eventually lose their coating, there are ways to properly care for and maintain your nonstick products to help ensure the ceramic coating lasts several years. To make these products last longer, avoid using high heat, hand wash pans (rather than putting them in the dishwasher), avoid nonstick cooking sprays, and use silicone or wood utensils rather than metal utensils. With proper care, my Caraway products are in great shape after over a year of daily use.
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Barber coins represent a curious exception to the rich diversity and celebrated designs of American coinage. These coins were minted for nearly 25 years in three denominations yet didn’t receive much variation in appearance. Ironically, Barber coins were intended to revamp the face of silver coins, but the resulting designs received widespread criticism at their time of release.
This peculiar history has given Barber coins a distinct reputation and numismatic appeal among coin collectors and investors. Understanding the unique history, precious metals contents, and types of Barber coins can give investors the insights they need to determine the investment merit of this coinage.
Why are they called barber coins?
Barber coins are named after Charles E. Barber, the US Mint’s Chief Engraver, who was tasked with giving the country’s silver coinage a new face. Barber had the idea to hold a contest among well-known engravers, sculptors, and other artists to broaden the Mint’s options and generate fresh ideas. The competition failed to produce any designs deemed worthwhile which led mint director Edward O. Leech to request suggestions directly from Barber. After a few initial rejections, Barber’s design was approved by Mint leaders and Congress. The final design was minted on dimes, quarters, and half-dollars which collectively became known as Barber coins.
The History of Barber Coins
By the close of the 19th century, the public was growing increasingly dissatisfied with the look of American coinage. The Seated Liberty design had been featured on the majority of coins for over 50 years. In 1891, the US Mint decided to hold a public competition in the hopes of generating inventive and inspirational designs. Unfortunately, limited funding meant only the winner would receive compensation. This discouraged many talented and well-established artists from taking part.
A panel of renowned coinage experts was put together to review the public’s submissions. Barber and Augustus Saint-Gaudens, designer of the eponymous Double Eagle Gold Coin, disagreed vehemently on the quality and utility of the designs. In the end, all of the 300 submissions were rejected with only two receiving honorable mention. The contest proved to be an abject failure, and the project to give US coinage a new face fell into the lap of Barber who was eager to head the venture.
Leech officially tapped Barber to prep designs for the dime, quarter, and half dollar in 1891. The Mint decided to leave the Morgan Silver Dollar design alone given the coin’s high rate of production at the time. Barber’s initial concepts which largely ignored Leech’s direction were promptly rejected. With a little back and forth, the pair eventually settled on three designs which were struck on pattern coins and presented to President Harrison and his cabinet.
The approved design was immediately slated for production. The motif, which was drawn up for the half-dollar, was simply scaled down for the dime and quarter. Since the law restricted dimes from depicting an eagle, Barber had to develop a separate reverse design. He landed on a minimalist theme with a wreath encompassing the inscription ONE DIME. On January 2, 1892, the Philadelphia Mint began full-scale production of Barber coins.
Criticisms of Barber coins were almost immediate with prominent figures and numismatic publications calling the designs dull, uninspired, and amateur. However, Barber did receive some recognition for the mechanical aspect of the coinage such as the engraving precision, design clarity, and minting functionality. This disparity underscored Barber’s functional and pragmatic approach to coinage rather than an overtly artistic motivation.
After the first year of production, Barber made slight changes to the designs of the half-dollar, quarter, and dime. These modifications were to address some production concerns and improve the appearance of the coinage. Collectors and investors refer to Barber coins in the first year of production as Type I and everything after as Type II. The first design is generally harder to find given its lower mintage.
Types of Barber Coins
The half-dollar, quarter, and dimes that bear Barber’s designs have collectively become known as Barber coins. They’re known for their minimalist and understated design along with their mechanical features which were advanced at the time.
The Barber half-dollar enjoyed 23 years of production between 1892 and 1915 with millions being pumped into circulation. The coin has a face value of $0.50, but its 90% silver purity equips it with higher inherent worth. The production of Barber half-dollars was concentrated at the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mint although the Denver and New Orleans Mint also contributed to manufacturing in 1906 and 1909, respectively. Some of the most scarce Barber half-dollars include the 1897-S, 1914, and 1915.
The Barber quarter also has a respectable silver fineness of 0.90. It received an extra year of production over its half-dollar counterpart between 1892 and 1916. During this time, the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans Mint produced nearly 265 million Barber quarters. This high level of production means only a handful of Barber quarters are considered scarce with even fewer being exceptionally rare. Some key dates include the 1896-S, 1901-S, and 1911-S.
The Barber dime, also referred to as the “V”, liberty, or Barber nickel, experienced the highest production level among all Barber coins at over half a billion pieces between 1892 and 1916. Similar to other Barber coins, this dime boasts a 90% purity rating. Minting occurred at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Denver Mint. Despite the coin’s massive production scale, some versions experienced low mintages at around 500,000 over 25 years. These low-production versions include 1895-O, 1901-S, and 1913-S.
Barber Coins Designs
Obverse
The obverse of the Barber coins depicts a stoic bust of Lady Liberty facing right. Her head is adorned with a Phrygian cap, a small ribbon, and a laurel wreath. On the half-dollar and quarter, the design is encircled by 13 stars and an inscription of IN GOD WE TRUST. Due to space limitations, the Barber dime has UNITED STATES OF AMERICA inscribed around Liberty without any stars. All Barber coins feature the mint date at the bottom of the obverse side.
Reverse
The reverse design of the Barber half-dollar and quarter depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings. A ribbon enclosed in its beak holds the country’s motto: E PLURUBUS UNUM. The eagle is clenching an olive branch and arrows in its talons which represent peace and readiness for war, respectively. Thirteen stars sit above the eagle’s head. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is emblazoned at the top, and the coin’s denomination QUARTER DOLLOR or QUARTER is inscribed on the bottom. The Barber dime features a more minimalist reverse design. ONE DIME is written in the middle with a decorative wreath surrounding it.
Are Barber coins rare?
The majority of Barber coins aren’t considered rare given their high level of production and widespread circulation. Millions of each iteration were minted over their multiple years of production. However, there are some notable exceptions. The famed 1849 Barber dime from the San Francisco Mint is the rarest version as it saw extremely limited production of 24 coins.
Are Barber coins worth anything?
Yes, Barber coins carry inherent value given their historical significance, high silver purity, and numismatic appeal. However, their sheer volume of production and their circulating nature prevent many of these coins from reaching significantly high values. They represent an accessible and cost-effective investment option for those who don’t mind adding circulating coinage to their collection.
Barber coins represent a curious exception to the rich diversity and celebrated designs of American coinage. These coins were minted for nearly 25 years in three denominations yet didn’t receive much variation in appearance. Ironically, Barber coins were intended to revamp the face of silver coins, but the resulting designs received widespread criticism at their time of release.
This peculiar history has given Barber coins a distinct reputation and numismatic appeal among coin collectors and investors. Understanding the unique history, precious metals contents, and types of Barber coins can give investors the insights they need to determine the investment merit of this coinage.
Why are they called barber coins?
Barber coins are named after Charles E. Barber, the US Mint’s Chief Engraver, who was tasked with giving the country’s silver coinage a new face. Barber had the idea to hold a contest among well-known engravers, sculptors, and other artists to broaden the Mint’s options and generate fresh ideas. The competition failed to produce any designs deemed worthwhile which led mint director Edward O. Leech to request suggestions directly from Barber. After a few initial rejections, Barber’s design was approved by Mint leaders and Congress. The final design was minted on dimes, quarters, and half-dollars which collectively became known as Barber coins.
The History of Barber Coins
By the close of the 19th century, the public was growing increasingly dissatisfied with the look of American coinage. The Seated Liberty design had been featured on the majority of coins for over 50 years. In 1891, the US Mint decided to hold a public competition in the hopes of generating inventive and inspirational designs. Unfortunately, limited funding meant only the winner would receive compensation. This discouraged many talented and well-established artists from taking part.
A panel of renowned coinage experts was put together to review the public’s submissions. Barber and Augustus Saint-Gaudens, designer of the eponymous Double Eagle Gold Coin, disagreed vehemently on the quality and utility of the designs. In the end, all of the 300 submissions were rejected with only two receiving honorable mention. The contest proved to be an abject failure, and the project to give US coinage a new face fell into the lap of Barber who was eager to head the venture.
Leech officially tapped Barber to prep designs for the dime, quarter, and half dollar in 1891. The Mint decided to leave the Morgan Silver Dollar design alone given the coin’s high rate of production at the time. Barber’s initial concepts which largely ignored Leech’s direction were promptly rejected. With a little back and forth, the pair eventually settled on three designs which were struck on pattern coins and presented to President Harrison and his cabinet.
The approved design was immediately slated for production. The motif, which was drawn up for the half-dollar, was simply scaled down for the dime and quarter. Since the law restricted dimes from depicting an eagle, Barber had to develop a separate reverse design. He landed on a minimalist theme with a wreath encompassing the inscription ONE DIME. On January 2, 1892, the Philadelphia Mint began full-scale production of Barber coins.
Criticisms of Barber coins were almost immediate with prominent figures and numismatic publications calling the designs dull, uninspired, and amateur. However, Barber did receive some recognition for the mechanical aspect of the coinage such as the engraving precision, design clarity, and minting functionality. This disparity underscored Barber’s functional and pragmatic approach to coinage rather than an overtly artistic motivation.
After the first year of production, Barber made slight changes to the designs of the half-dollar, quarter, and dime. These modifications were to address some production concerns and improve the appearance of the coinage. Collectors and investors refer to Barber coins in the first year of production as Type I and everything after as Type II. The first design is generally harder to find given its lower mintage.
Types of Barber Coins
The half-dollar, quarter, and dimes that bear Barber’s designs have collectively become known as Barber coins. They’re known for their minimalist and understated design along with their mechanical features which were advanced at the time.
The Barber half-dollar enjoyed 23 years of production between 1892 and 1915 with millions being pumped into circulation. The coin has a face value of $0.50, but its 90% silver purity equips it with higher inherent worth. The production of Barber half-dollars was concentrated at the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mint although the Denver and New Orleans Mint also contributed to manufacturing in 1906 and 1909, respectively. Some of the most scarce Barber half-dollars include the 1897-S, 1914, and 1915.
The Barber quarter also has a respectable silver fineness of 0.90. It received an extra year of production over its half-dollar counterpart between 1892 and 1916. During this time, the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans Mint produced nearly 265 million Barber quarters. This high level of production means only a handful of Barber quarters are considered scarce with even fewer being exceptionally rare. Some key dates include the 1896-S, 1901-S, and 1911-S.
The Barber dime, also referred to as the “V”, liberty, or Barber nickel, experienced the highest production level among all Barber coins at over half a billion pieces between 1892 and 1916. Similar to other Barber coins, this dime boasts a 90% purity rating. Minting occurred at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Denver Mint. Despite the coin’s massive production scale, some versions experienced low mintages at around 500,000 over 25 years. These low-production versions include 1895-O, 1901-S, and 1913-S.
Barber Coins Designs
Obverse
The obverse of the Barber coins depicts a stoic bust of Lady Liberty facing right. Her head is adorned with a Phrygian cap, a small ribbon, and a laurel wreath. On the half-dollar and quarter, the design is encircled by 13 stars and an inscription of IN GOD WE TRUST. Due to space limitations, the Barber dime has UNITED STATES OF AMERICA inscribed around Liberty without any stars. All Barber coins feature the mint date at the bottom of the obverse side.
Reverse
The reverse design of the Barber half-dollar and quarter depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings. A ribbon enclosed in its beak holds the country’s motto: E PLURUBUS UNUM. The eagle is clenching an olive branch and arrows in its talons which represent peace and readiness for war, respectively. Thirteen stars sit above the eagle’s head. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is emblazoned at the top, and the coin’s denomination QUARTER DOLLOR or QUARTER is inscribed on the bottom. The Barber dime features a more minimalist reverse design. ONE DIME is written in the middle with a decorative wreath surrounding it.
Are Barber coins rare?
The majority of Barber coins aren’t considered rare given their high level of production and widespread circulation. Millions of each iteration were minted over their multiple years of production. However, there are some notable exceptions. The famed 1849 Barber dime from the San Francisco Mint is the rarest version as it saw extremely limited production of 24 coins.
Are Barber coins worth anything?
Yes, Barber coins carry inherent value given their historical significance, high silver purity, and numismatic appeal. However, their sheer volume of production and their circulating nature prevent many of these coins from reaching significantly high values. They represent an accessible and cost-effective investment option for those who don’t mind adding circulating coinage to their collection.
Even those who wanted to see more of Cena will have been taken by surprise at the pro-wrestler-turned-movie-star’s latest showing. The former WWE champ has promised to take off his belt, and much more for the launch of his OnlyFans account, but this new exposure is not about making a few extra bucks on a side hustle. Hilariously, it’s all part of his promotion for the upcoming movie; Ricky Stanicky.
Cena’s OnlyFans account, featuring an image of the wrestling GOAT dressed up like Britney Spears in the header, is a clever publicity stunt designed to raise awareness of his upcoming movie; Ricky Stanicky, set to be released on Amazon Prime Video on March 7. “You’ve found the verified OnlyFans account for Ricky Stanicky,” reads the profile intro. “renowned impersonator, philanthropist, investment backer, socialite, cancer survivor and method actor. Subscribe to get SPICY pics and vids!”
Ben King / Prime
John Cena is “Rock Hard” for his new movie role
The movie plot goes that Ricky Stanicky was dreamed up as an imaginary character, brought to life by three childhood friends (played by Zac Efron, Andrew Santino, and Jermain Fowler) to use as a handy alibi whenever they wanted to get out of a task, or escape for a boys only vacation. When their spouses detect they are being fooled, the lads are forced to find a real human being who will play the role of Stanicky to appease their partners’ suspicions. Enter John Cena, who plays Rod, a washed-up actor and risqué celebrity impersonator known also as “Rock Hard.” When Rod takes his new role of Ricky Stanicky way over the top, the boys wish they’d never invented the character in the first place.
The film’s writer, Peter Farrelly revealed in a press discussion attended by M&F that Cena was his first choice for Stanicky. “I saw him on Peacemaker, and I was about two minutes in Peacemaker and I said ‘that guy!’ I couldn’t believe how hilarious he was. I thought the way he committed to that character; it was a no-brainer. At that moment, I knew, it had to be him.” Cena’s OnlyFans account is free to subscribe, and provides the ultimate demonstration of his commitment to any project. Perhaps not suitable for work, his account boasts posts such as ‘playing with these blue balls’, ‘double action’, and ‘anyone want to hit this one more time?’ Don’t worry though, squeeky clean Cena hasn’t gone rogue. The image sets are spoofs, but you’ll have to subscirbe to see them for yourself. Ricky Stanicky is released on Amazon Prime Video on March 7.
Before the early 2000s, stretching was considered an essential part of starting off any workout routine. It was also a staple solution to any existing muscular tension or “tightness.” Today, many of the same rationales are still in use, so it’s worthwhile to bring attention to what’s right and wrong about stretching.
Is Stretching Really Good For You?
As a whole, there’s nothing wrong with stretching muscles, and the truth of the matter is, when most people do it, they’re going to feel some version of relief or “good” as a sensation-based result. Things really get put under the microscope when asking about this from the vantage point of a lifter who’s after high performance in the gym. Then the use of stretching takes on a very different, more nuanced complexion.
What Does Stretching Do To Your Muscles
Many people only think about stretching from a one-dimensional perspective. Taking a muscle and elongating it to get a good stretch across the muscle belly. But it’s important to consider what comes along for the ride:
Stretching a muscle also stretches the nerves that run through that muscle. That temporarily impairs their strength and dulls their ability to contract strongly.
Stretching narrows the transport conduits for blood (arteries and veins), meaning lower circulation during the period of the stretch
Stretching reduces stability of joint capsules
This all sounds pretty bad, right?
Well, it depends on how you look at it, and what you use stretching for.
When we’re training, the goal is usually to apply forces against (possibly heavy) resistances, to have our CNS (central nervous system) nice and sharp, and to ultimately perform well without risk to injury. Although a good deep stretch can feel nice before a workout, the truth of the matter is, on a scientific level, it’s not doing all that much to double down on working for performance and playing to your strengths. That’s why, these days, static stretching before workouts is usually not recommended.
Of course, the effects of static stretching listed in the bullet points above don’t last forever. If you stretch your hamstrings and then do Romanian deadlifts 30 minutes later, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be doomed to a sub-par performance in those deadlifts. As mentioned, the effects of static stretching are temporary, but it’s useful to know that it won’t have a lasting beneficial impact on your performance either.
Dynamic Stretching vs Static Stretching
Rather than focusing on held positions for stretches, the emphasis should move away from static stretches to dynamic stretches. It solves many of the above problems when the body gets to pass through positions instead of hold them, placing more of the lifter’s focus on capacities of mobility, rather than those of strict flexibility. These can all have a greater effect on the goals of a warmup, which include increasing heart rate, releasing synovial fluid (to lubricate joints), and even prepare for movements that will be used in the workout itself. Some good examples of dynamic stretches are:
A good warmup will involve plenty of this kind of action, and not take longer than a few minutes (5-7 should be the goal) before getting ready to hit the iron. Putting things together for a smart approach to a foolproof warmup might look something like this in its entirety.
When to Perform Static Stretches?
A great rule of thumb would be to wait for the workout to end before using the static stretching method. Think of it this way: If you’ve ever received a solid, deep tissue massage from a licensed practitioner, chances are you felt pretty good after. You may have been able to move better and even feel a release of stress or tension, but you probably didn’t feel like the next thing you wanted to do was sprint 100 meters at a PR speed, or lift your max effort squat.
The reason why is because the massage was another method to suppress your nervous system. And it’s a reason why lifters and athletes may get massages after a tough workout or game (not before). This is the same logic to be applied to stretching, post-workout, calming the nervous system down after amping it up would be a smart call.
With that said, there’s one exception to the rule where this can come in handy, and that’s using static stretching tactically within your workout.
Here’s a scenario: You’re doing sets of rows or chinups, and your shoulders can’t seem to get down for a proper depression and retraction, in order to really zero in on the back muscles you’ve intended to hit with your working sets. You can hammer away at technique work all you want, but your shoulders keep sliding out of position to frustrate your lift’s performance and isolation.
This is where intentionally dulling the neurological involvement of certain muscle groups via static stretching can come in handy. Static stretching the upper traps and pecs deeply between sets and then immediately going into your next set of rows or chins can be a big difference-maker for how well those back exercises end up “taking”.
Applying these principles to your training can take your gains to the next level, and help you feel better on all fronts, during your workouts.
Lee Boyce is a personal trainer, college professor, writer, and speaker based in Toronto, ON. He travels around the world delivering seminars and workshops helping fitness professionals improve their skills, His book Strength Training for All Body Types (co-authored with Melody Schoenfeld) is available everywhere. Follow him on social media: Instagram: @coachleeboyce X: @coachleeboyce Facebook @coachleeboyce
Visit his websiteleeboyce.comto apply to work with him directly.
Witness the remarkable journey of Jeevesh Kushwaha from Ujjain, Maharashtra, who underwent a groundbreaking bilateral hand transplant surgery after losing his limbs in a tragic accident. Hear from Jeevesh himself as he expresses gratitude for the opportunity and shares his hopes for the future. Delve into the intricate details of the surgery performed by a dedicated team at Global Hospital in Mumbai, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of this life-changing procedure.
Witness the remarkable journey of Jeevesh Kushwaha from Ujjain, Maharashtra, who underwent a groundbreaking bilateral hand transplant surgery after losing his limbs in a tragic accident. Hear from Jeevesh himself as he expresses gratitude for the opportunity and shares his hopes for the future. Delve into the intricate details of the surgery performed by a dedicated team at Global Hospital in Mumbai, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of this life-changing procedure.
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ICICI Direct, Rupee ended barely changed yesterday amid pessimistic domestic market sentiments.
Barber coins represent a curious exception to the rich diversity and celebrated designs of American coinage. These coins were minted for nearly 25 years in three denominations yet didn’t receive much variation in appearance. Ironically, Barber coins were intended to revamp the face of silver coins, but the resulting designs received widespread criticism at their time of release.
