1898 Barber Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1898 Barber Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Barber Half Dollars 1892-1915 series — 7th of 24 years in the series. In 1898, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans Mints with a combined mintage of 6.2 million. This ranks 15th of 24 years by total mintage, above the series median of 4.9 million. The obverse features Liberty facing right wearing a Phrygian cap topped by a laurel wreath, with the word LIBERTY on a headband and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have identified one known die variety for this date (cud). Across its variants, estimated values range from $53 to $3.1K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $58K in MS67 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Charles E. Barber.