1909 Barber Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1909 Barber Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Barber Half Dollars 1892-1915 series — 18th of 24 years in the series. In 1909, coins were struck at the New Orleans, San Francisco, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 5.1 million. This ranks 13th of 24 years by total mintage, above the series median of 4.9 million. The obverse features Liberty facing right wearing a Phrygian cap topped by a laurel wreath, with the word LIBERTY on a headband and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Final year of New Orleans Mint half dollar production under the Barber design. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced 5 years before the celebrated 1914 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $49 to $2.4K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $45K in MS67 grade at Legend Rare Coin Auctions. Designed by Charles E. Barber.