Numismatic

1908-O Barber Half Dollar VG

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In 1908, the New Orleans Mint produced a silver half dollar that showcases the distinctive artistry of the era. Struck with a silver purity of 90 percent, this coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents a fascinating moment in American coinage, displaying the wear and character of a piece graded in Very Good condition. The obverse of this fifty-cent piece features a profile of Lady Liberty, envisioned by Charles Barber. She wears a laurel wreath atop her head alongside a traditional Phrygian cap. Arching above her is the national motto, "IN GOD WE TRUST," with the year 1908 anchored at the bottom. On the reverse, a heraldic eagle commands attention with its wings spread wide. A protective shield covers the bird's chest, while its beak clasps a ribbon. In its talons, the eagle grips both a cluster of arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing the dual themes of strength and peace. The "O" mint mark of the New Orleans facility is positioned below the eagle, marking its origin at one of the nation's most historic southern mints.