1908 Barber Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1908 Barber Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Barber Half Dollars 1892-1915 series — 17th of 24 years in the series. In 1908, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 11.6 million. This represents the second-highest annual mintage in the series, 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. Produced during the Progressive Era, when President Theodore Roosevelt championed a renaissance in American coin design that produced some of the most beautiful coins ever struck. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced 6 years before the celebrated 1914 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $49 to $2.8K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $33K in MS68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Charles E. Barber.