Numismatic

1897 Barber Half Dollar VG

---

The 1897 silver half dollar offers a fascinating glimpse into late nineteenth-century American coinage. Struck in 90 percent silver, this fifty-cent piece contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents the distinct design era of the late 1800s, carrying a substantial weight and presence that made it a workhorse of daily commerce. Created by designer Charles Barber, the obverse of the coin presents a dignified profile of Lady Liberty. She is depicted wearing a traditional Phrygian cap beneath a crown of laurel leaves, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is positioned above her head, with the year 1897 anchored at the bottom. On the reverse, a powerful heraldic eagle dominates the field with its wings spread wide. A shield protects its chest, while its talons grasp an olive branch of peace and a bundle of arrows representing strength. In its beak, the eagle holds a ribbon inscribed with the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM." The legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "HALF DOLLAR" encircle this classic patriotic emblem.