Numismatic

1909 Barber Half Dollar Good

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The 1909 half dollar showcases the classic artistry of Charles Barber, offering a window into early twentieth-century American coinage. Minted in Philadelphia, this coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.3575 troy ounces of the precious metal. Despite showing honest wear consistent with its Good grading, the core elements of this historic design remain recognizable and compelling to explore. On the obverse, the profile of Lady Liberty is depicted facing right. She wears a traditional Phrygian cap adorned with a laurel wreath, a classic symbol of victory and honor. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is positioned above her head, with the year 1909 anchored at the bottom. The reverse presents a bold heraldic eagle with its wings spread wide across the coin. A protective shield rests upon the eagle's chest, while its talons grasp an olive branch representing peace and a bundle of arrows symbolizing strength. In its beak, the eagle holds a ribbon bearing the traditional motto, surrounded by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "HALF DOLLAR."