Numismatic

1912-S Barber Half Dollar VF

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The 1912-S Barber half dollar is a compelling artifact from the early twentieth century, struck at the historic San Francisco Mint. Composed of 90 percent silver, this fifty-cent piece contains approximately 0.3617 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents a bygone era of American coinage, carrying the distinctive artistry of Charles Barber, who served as the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. On the obverse, the coin displays a classical profile of Lady Liberty. She is depicted wearing a traditional laurel wreath, with a headband that clearly showcases the word LIBERTY. Encircling her portrait is the national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, along with the 1912 year of issue. The reverse features a heraldic eagle with its wings spread wide, bearing a protective shield across its chest. In its beak, the eagle holds a ribbon inscribed with the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The mint mark S is positioned below the eagle, indicating its origin in San Francisco, from a total mintage of 1,370,000 pieces. This particular specimen survives in Very Fine condition, showing moderate wear but retaining its key design details.