Numismatic

1896-O Barber Half Dollar AG

---

In 1896, the United States Mint in New Orleans struck this silver half dollar, a piece of currency that circulated heavily through the hands of late nineteenth-century Americans. Crafted from 90 percent silver, the coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. This piece survives in Almost Good condition, showing the honest wear and tear of decades of active use in commerce. The coin features the classic artwork of Charles Barber. The front depicts a stoic profile of Lady Liberty, adorned with a traditional Phrygian cap and a woven laurel wreath. Arching above her head, the timeless motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" remains visible, while the year 1896 is stamped clearly below her portrait. On the reverse, a powerful heraldic eagle dominates the design. The bird is depicted with its wings fully spread, protecting a shield positioned over its chest. In its beak, the eagle grasps a flowing banner, while its talons clutch an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, symbolizing both peace and military readiness. The distinctive "O" mint mark below the eagle confirms its origin from the historic Louisiana facility.