Numismatic

1899-O Barber Half Dollar VG

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Struck at the historic New Orleans Mint, this 1899 silver half dollar showcases the enduring artistry of Charles Barber. The coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.3575 troy ounces of the precious metal. Despite the wear consistent with its Very Good grading, the core elements of this late nineteenth-century design remain clearly visible, offering a tangible link to America's circulating currency of the era. The front of the coin depicts Lady Liberty facing right, adorned with a laurel wreath and a Phrygian cap. On this circulated specimen, the word Liberty on her headband can still be partially read. Surrounding her portrait are the stars of the original colonies, the national motto, and the 1899 year of manufacture. On the reverse, a heraldic eagle spreads its wings, bearing a protective shield across its chest. In its beak, the eagle grasps a ribbon displaying a traditional motto. Its talons hold an olive branch alongside a group of arrows, symbolizing a preference for peace paired with a readiness for defense. The New Orleans O mint mark is positioned at the bottom, just below the half dollar denomination.