Numismatic

1894 Barber Half Dollar VG

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In 1894, the Philadelphia Mint produced this silver half dollar, which stands as a classic representation of late nineteenth-century United States coinage. Struck with a silver purity of 90 percent, the coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. This particular piece survives in Very Good condition, showing the honest wear of a coin that circulated during a transformative decade in American history. The obverse displays a profile of Lady Liberty, envisioned by designer Charles Barber. She wears a laurel wreath over a Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of freedom. Above her portrait, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is clearly inscribed, while the year 1894 is positioned at the bottom. On the reverse, a powerful eagle spreads its wings, protecting a shield positioned on its chest. In its beak, the eagle holds a ribbon, while its talons grasp both an olive branch of peace and a bundle of arrows. The legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arches above the design, with the "HALF DOLLAR" denomination anchored below.