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Serving as an US Mint branch from 1838-1861, then again from 1879-1909, the New Orleans Mint served alongside three other mints in order to produce the highly collectible Morgan silver dollar and obviously, other famous coin collections. But the Morgan Silver Dollar would be what ultimately put the nail in the Old Mint's coffin. Decommissioned in 1909, the New Orleans Mint has been used as an assay office, a fallout shelter, and a storage facility for the US Coast Guard. The Old Mint is considered an official historical landmark and is presently the oldest structure in the US. The 1909-O Barber Half Dollar is in fine condition and is mint-marked with the infamous "O" marking. Collectors expect fine condition to contain wear on both sides of the coin, and the main image details are lacking in detail. Usually with fine condition, all words are still readable but the detailing of Lady Liberty and the eagle are fading. With a low mintage of 925,400, the 1909-O Barber Half Dollar remains a difficult find on the market.
The Barber design was created when Edward Leech, the Mint Director, decided he wanted to update the Seated Liberty design. Offering a cash prize for the winner, Leech reached out to local artists and wanted to hold a competition for the best design. When he received negative feedback, Leech went to the Chief Engraver, William Barber, and came out with an ideal design that President Benjamin Harrison approved of. The Barber coin series is one of the only series to contain the same design on the dime, quarter, and half dollar at once. After serving 10 years as the Chief Engraver, William Barber died and passed the torch to his son, Charles Barber. The Barber design featured Liberty on the obverse, wearing a Grecian leaf crown. The obverse also contains the coin's date of mintage. The reverse reveals a heraldic eagle, draped in a shield and is holding arrows and olive branches in its talons. This design has been used over time on most US currency and is the US national seal.