Numismatic

1901-O Barber Half Dollar AG

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The turn of the twentieth century brought forth classic American coinage that still captures the imagination of collectors today. Among these is the 1901 half dollar struck at the historic New Orleans Mint, bearing the distinctive 'O' mint mark. This silver piece, composed of 90 percent silver with a precious metal weight of 0.3575 troy ounces, represents a bygone era of United States currency. Designed by Charles Barber, the coin features a dignified depiction of Lady Liberty on its obverse. She is shown wearing a laurel wreath over a Phrygian cap, a classic symbol of freedom. The reverse showcases a heraldic eagle with wings spread wide, protecting a shield on its chest. In its beak, the eagle holds a banner, while its talons grasp both an olive branch and a cluster of arrows, symbolizing peace and readiness. Even in an About Good grade, where the details have softened through decades of circulation, the essential elements of Barber's powerful design remain visible. The inscriptions, including the year 1901 and the denomination of Half Dollar, tell the story of a coin that actively served in the daily commerce of early twentieth-century America.