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Inventory:
2 In Stock
- Product ID: 10968
The 1894-O Barber Half Dollar is in good condition and is a part of a decent sized mintage. Consisting of a very worn surface and completely lacking in detail, the 1894-O Barber Half is a typical coin in good condition. It will be packaged in a coin flip to ensure protection during shipment. In New Orleans, stands a prominent building nicknamed The Old Mint. Considered to be one of the oldest US historic landmarks, the New Orleans Mint's halls once produced highly collectible coins that are still being enjoy presently. The Old Mint served as a branch of the US Mint from 1838-1861, then again from 1879-1909; serving alongside three other mints in order to produce the highly collectible Morgan silver dollar. At one point in time, the New Orleans Mint's ownership switched three times over the course of 3 weeks, by the state of Louisiana and the Confederate army. 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 Barber Half Dollar has made history all its own; the Barber design is one of the only coin collections that has the same design on all denominations. William Barber, the Chief Mint Engraver, was asked by the Mint Director to make the design for a new series of coins, including the dime, quarter, and half dollar. William Barber only served 10 years as Chief Engraver before passing away and handing over the torch to his son, Charles Barber. Apart from inheriting the top position, at the US Mint, Charles Barber also inherited his father's apprentice, George T. Morgan, who would design the record breaking Morgan Silver Dollar. The Barber design includes Liberty wearing a Grecian leaf crown and 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. The arrows represent battle and the olive branches represent peace, both are very vital to the other.