Barber Half Dollar Good Condition 1909

The Philadelphia Mint was the first mint to be established in the US so it doesn't mark its coins with a mint-mark. The US desperately needed an identity but also a means to international commerce so the Founding Fathers decided that a national mint was the answer. The Mint Act officially announced the opening of the Philadelphia Mint and also instituted guidelines for the newly minted currency. A dollar decimal system would be used to assign the currency with legal tender values. Also, an emblematic symbol of liberty must be included on US currency, hence why so many adaptations of Liberty have been used. The 1909 Barber Half Dollar is in good condition, exhibiting extreme amounts of wear on the entire coin, especially the main images, such as Liberty's headpiece or the heraldic eagle's feathering. The 1909 Barber Half Dollar contains an average mintage and is accessible in most grades.

The Barber design was created by Chief Engraver, William Barber, and graced the US dime, quarter, and half dollar until 1916. The Seated Liberty was the design, at the time, and Mint Director, Edward Leech desired to change the design for a new era. Instead of just designating a new design, Leech thought it would be a good idea to hold a competition among the local artists to see who would have the best design. As a bonus, Leech offered the winner a cash prize to entice any forth comers. Unfortunately, the artists wanted different terms and a better prize so the competition was closed with still no design chosen. Leech finally approached Barbed and agreed on a design that suited both of their distinct tastes. The Barber design wasn't loved but also not hated by the public when it was first released in 1892.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1909
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: N/A
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