Numismatic

1901 Barber Half Dollar VF

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At the dawn of the twentieth century, the United States Mint produced this silver half dollar, a denomination that played a vital role in daily commerce. Minted in Philadelphia during 1901, this coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. Having circulated through the hands of turn of the century Americans, this piece survives in Very Fine condition, showing clear details of its original artistry. The obverse features a profile of Liberty, who wears a laurel wreath atop a Phrygian cap. The year 1901 is stamped below her portrait, while the national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, arches above. This design, along with the reverse imagery, was created by Charles Barber, whose work defined the look of multiple silver denominations during this era. On the reverse, a majestic eagle spreads its wings, protecting a shield positioned at its chest. In its beak, the bird grasps a banner displaying the words E PLURIBUS UNUM. Its talons clutch an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, representing peace and readiness. The surrounding inscription identifies the issuing nation as the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and states the face value, HALF DOLLAR, at the bottom.