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- Product ID: 20279
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The 1897 Barber Half Dollar is in very good condition, exhibiting heavy amounts of wear on the both sides of the coin. There was an overproduction in 1897 of Barber Half Dollars, resulting in a low premium and easily accessible coin. Since it was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, there is no mint-mark present on the coin. The Philadelphia Mint is the main branch of the US Mint and is the oldest mint in the US, being established in 1792. After the ratification of the Constitution, the Founding Fathers needed to establish a national identity and a means of commerce. The Mint Act was also passed, during this time, to assign coins denominations based on their legal tender or metal fineness. This act also constituted that any coin in the US should feature "an impression emblematic of liberty." The Philadelphia Mint has participated in every coin series since it was established, leaving no mint-mark as their mark.
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.