1898 50c PR DCAM

The half dollars designed by Charles Barber from 1892-1915 were decidedly unpopular during their day. The coins were considered less attractive than their Seated predecessors and they did not wear well. That is, they looked really unattractive wen worn down, and this series was well circulated. Most key dates in the Barber half series are inexpensive in lower grades for this reason. The series has since become quite popular with collectors.

Obverse Description

Portrait of Liberty surrounded by 6 stars on the left periphery and 7 stars on the right. IN GOD WE TRUST is inscribed at the top with the date positioned at the bottom center.

Reverse Description

The heraldic eagle holding the symbolic olive branches and arrows is centered in the design with the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR around the periphery. A ribbon in the eagle's beak bears the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. 13 stars appear in the field above the eagle's head. Mintmark, if any, is positioned under the eagles tail feathers, above the D in DOLLAR.