Numismatic

1913 Barber Half Dollar VG

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The 1913 Barber half dollar represents a fascinating moment in United States coinage, coming from a remarkably low mintage of just 188,000 pieces. Struck in 90% silver, this fifty-cent piece contains 0.3617 ounces of precious metal. It survives today in Very Good condition, showing the honest wear of a coin that actively circulated through the American economy more than a century ago. Designed by Charles Barber, the coin features a classical portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse. She wears a laurel wreath over a Phrygian cap, surrounded by stars and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" along the upper rim, with the year 1913 positioned at the bottom. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, protecting a shield on its chest. In its beak, the eagle holds a banner inscribed with "E PLURIBUS UNUM", while its talons grasp a symbolic olive branch and a cluster of arrows. The design is framed by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "HALF DOLLAR".