Numismatic

1898-S Barber Half Dollar VG

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Struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1898, this silver half dollar represents a classic era of United States coinage. Designed by Charles Barber, the coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.3617 troy ounces of the precious metal. Despite the wear that places it in a Very Good state of preservation, the coin retains the core elements of its late nineteenth-century artistry. The obverse features a profile of Lady Liberty, who wears a laurel wreath atop her head along with a Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of freedom. On a coin of this grade, the inscription of the word Liberty on her headband remains partially visible, accompanied by the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and the 1898 year of mintage. On the reverse, a heraldic eagle stretches its wings wide, bearing a protective shield across its chest. In its beak, the eagle grasps a flowing banner, while its talons hold an olive branch of peace and a cluster of arrows representing strength. The reverse inscriptions identify the country as the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA alongside the denomination, HALF DOLLAR.