Numismatic

1904-O Barber Half Dollar Good

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The 1904 silver half dollar represents a fascinating era of American coinage, minted at the historic New Orleans facility. Struck in 90 percent silver, this fifty-cent piece carries a total of 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. Its design is the work of Charles Barber, whose artistic vision defined the look of United States silver coinage at the turn of the twentieth century. On the obverse, the coin displays a profile of Lady Liberty. She is depicted wearing a traditional Phrygian cap and a laurel wreath, surrounded by stars and the year 1904. The reverse features a heraldic eagle with its wings spread wide, protecting a shield on its chest. In its beak, the eagle holds a ribbon banner, while its talons grasp an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, symbolizing both peace and defense. The New Orleans origin is marked by the distinctive 'O' mint mark.