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William Barber used the Head of Liberty to grace the obverse of the Barber coin series. Liberty's look is oftentimes inspired by a Grecian Goddess, who has been revered by military since ancient times. Liberty is also usually depicted wearing an Acanthus leaf cap as a crown, which is very typical of ancient Greek attire. The reverse contains the nation's official seal, which is of a heraldic eagle holding a shield. Each of the eagle's talons are grasping a symbolic gesture: olive branches and arrows. This design is still used on modern day coinage and represents the strength of the nation, while understanding the price that needs to be paid for freedom. The 1908-S Barber Half Dollar is in fine condition, exhibiting heavy wear on both sides of the coin and important details are lacking, such as the intricate detailing of the leaf headpiece. Carrying the infamous "S" mint-mark, the 1908-S was minted in San Francisco.
The Barber design was named after the US Mint's Chief Engraver, William Barber. The coins were in circulation from 1892-1916, but the half dollar wasn't minted the last couple of years before the series ended. The Seated Liberty design had run its course and the Mint's Director, Edward Leech, wanted to officially change the design. Holding a competition, Leech wanted to encourage participation by giving the winner a cash prize. All of the local artists invited declined and Leech resorted to his mint for direction. William Barber was ultimately assigned the task to create a new design for the US currency, that would replace the Seated Liberty.