Numismatic

1896-O Barber Half Dollar VG

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Struck at the historic New Orleans Mint, this 1896 half dollar represents a classic era of United States silver coinage. Composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal, the coin is a survivor from the late nineteenth century. It displays the wear consistent with a Very Good grade, showing the honest circulation of a coin that passed through many hands in the American South. The obverse features the iconic profile of Lady Liberty, envisioned by designer Charles Barber. She wears a Phrygian cap adorned with a laurel wreath, with the word LIBERTY visible on her headband. The reverse showcases a powerful heraldic eagle with wings spread wide, protecting a shield on its chest. In its beak, the eagle grasps a ribbon, while its talons hold a dual symbol of peace and strength, an olive branch and a bundle of arrows.