Numismatic

1894-S Barber Half Dollar VF

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Struck in the final decade of the nineteenth century, this 1894 half dollar from the San Francisco Mint represents a beloved era of United States coinage. Crafted from 90 percent silver, containing 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal, the coin has survived in Very Fine condition, allowing its intricate details to remain clearly visible to the curious observer. The obverse presents a profile of Lady Liberty, who wears a laurel wreath atop her head along with a Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of freedom. The year of mintage, 1894, is anchored at the bottom of the design, while the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" arches above her portrait. On the reverse, a heraldic eagle commands attention with its wings spread wide. A protective shield is positioned at its chest, and the bird holds a banner in its beak bearing the phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM". In its talons, the eagle grasps both an olive branch of peace and a collection of arrows, representing strength. This classic imagery, designed by Charles Barber, is framed by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the face value, "HALF DOLLAR".