Numismatic

1909-S Barber Half Dollar VF

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Struck in the early twentieth century, this 1909 silver half dollar represents a classic era of United States coinage. Minted at the San Francisco facility, as indicated by the S mint mark, this fifty-cent piece contains 0.3575 troy ounces of silver with a purity of 90 percent. Surviving in Very Fine condition, the coin displays the distinctive artistry of Charles Barber, whose work defined the look of American silver coinage at the turn of the century. The obverse presents a profile of Lady Liberty facing right, adorned with a laurel wreath and a Phrygian cap. A ribbon across her crown is inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Surrounding her portrait are the words IN GOD WE TRUST and the 1909 year of issue. On the reverse, a powerful heraldic eagle dominates the design. The eagle stands with wings outstretched, protecting a shield on its chest. In its beak, it holds a banner displaying the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, while its talons grasp an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, symbolizing peace and readiness. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR frame this detailed patriotic emblem.