Barber Half Dollar (1892–1915)
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Drescription: The Barber Half Dollar, officially the Liberty Head half dollar, was a staple of American commerce from 1892 to 1915. Named after its designer, U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, it replaced the long-standing Seated Liberty design.
Design Details
Obverse (Front): Features a right-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and a laurel wreath. A small headband inscribed with "LIBERTY" is visible on her forehead. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears above, with 13 stars flanking the profile and the date below.
Reverse (Back): Displays a heraldic eagle based on the Great Seal of the United States. The eagle clutches an olive branch (peace) and arrows (readiness), with a ribbon in its beak inscribed "E PLURIBUS UNUM".
Mint Marks: Found on the reverse, located just above the "D" in "DOLLAR". Mints included Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), New Orleans (O), and San Francisco (S).
Collecting & Key Dates: This series is known for being difficult to find in high grades because the word "LIBERTY" on the headband was a high point that wore down quickly in circulation.
Key Dates: Rare issues include the 1892-O "Micro O" (featuring a tiny mintmark meant for quarters), the 1892-S, and low-mintage Philadelphia years like 1913, 1914, and 1915.
Values: Common circulated dates typically trade near their silver melt value (around $23–$27 depending on current silver prices), while rare dates in high grades can reach thousands of dollars.
Design Details
Obverse (Front): Features a right-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and a laurel wreath. A small headband inscribed with "LIBERTY" is visible on her forehead. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears above, with 13 stars flanking the profile and the date below.
Reverse (Back): Displays a heraldic eagle based on the Great Seal of the United States. The eagle clutches an olive branch (peace) and arrows (readiness), with a ribbon in its beak inscribed "E PLURIBUS UNUM".
Mint Marks: Found on the reverse, located just above the "D" in "DOLLAR". Mints included Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), New Orleans (O), and San Francisco (S).
Collecting & Key Dates: This series is known for being difficult to find in high grades because the word "LIBERTY" on the headband was a high point that wore down quickly in circulation.
Key Dates: Rare issues include the 1892-O "Micro O" (featuring a tiny mintmark meant for quarters), the 1892-S, and low-mintage Philadelphia years like 1913, 1914, and 1915.
Values: Common circulated dates typically trade near their silver melt value (around $23–$27 depending on current silver prices), while rare dates in high grades can reach thousands of dollars.