Numismatic

1898-O Barber Half Dollar VG

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Struck in the final years of the nineteenth century, this 1898 silver half dollar represents the classic coinage of the era. Produced at the historic New Orleans Mint, as indicated by the 'O' mint mark, the coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of silver in a 90 percent pure alloy. It survives today in a circulated, Very Good condition, showing the honest wear of a coin that once passed through everyday American commerce. The obverse, created by Charles Barber, presents a dignified profile of Lady Liberty. She wears a laurel wreath atop her head, paired with a Phrygian cap, while the word 'Liberty' is inscribed clearly on her band. Surrounding her portrait is the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' along with the 1898 year of mintage. On the reverse, a heraldic eagle commands attention with its wings spread wide. The bird supports a shield on its chest while grasping a banner in its beak. In its talons, the eagle holds a traditional olive branch alongside a bundle of arrows, symbolizing both peace and readiness. The reverse is completed by the inscriptions 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and the denomination 'HALF DOLLAR'.