189x-O Barber Half - PO-1

I've shared numerous topics on the pursuit of lowball coins ... and have a Barber half dilemma for the CCF to consider.

There is a large numismatic difference between a coin worn to (or beyond) PO01 state and a coin certifiable at PO01.

In order to certify as PO01, a coin must meet all five of the following conditions:

1. Specifically identifiable by type.
2. Specifically identifiable by date and mint mark.
3. Un-molested, original surfaces.
4. Undamaged, e.g., no graffiti, significant scratches, gouges, rim dings, etc.
5. Circulation wear to the PO01 state.

One nuanced exception to the above is the case of single year type coins which can be 'verified' without evidence of the date/mm. Examples include the 1921 (High Relief) Peace dollar and many classic silver commemorative.

I'm quietly pursuing a set of lowball Barber half dollars ... currently have 8 of the coins certified as PCGS PO01.

Recently acquired the following Barber half ... original, undamaged surfaces and wear to the PO01 state.

Problem statement ... are there sufficient diagnostics to determine if the final date remnant is a '2' or a '3'?

189x-O Barber half dollar -PO01



Enlargement of the date area ... best I can do with my point-and-shoot photography:



In hand I'm leaning towards 1893-O ... although PCGS might return it with the dreaded Code 86 (authenticity unverifiable).

Thoughts?

David