U.S. Mint coin reference

1892-1915 Barber Half Dollar

Barber Half Dollar Classic 90% silver Barber half dollar.

View mintage profile

Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1892-1915

Country: United States

Denomination: Half dollar

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Silver fineness: 90%

Silver weight: 0.3617 oz ASW

Weight: 12.50 g

Diameter: 30.6 mm

Thickness: 2.15 mm

Edge: Reeded

Designer: Charles E. Barber

Design identification

Obverse: Liberty Head portrait by Charles E. Barber.

Reverse: Heraldic eagle with shield, olive branch, arrows, and HALF DOLLAR below.

Barber Half Dollar history

The Barber half dollar debuted in 1892 when the Mint replaced the Liberty Seated half dollar with a new design by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. Its obverse shows Liberty wearing a cap and laurel wreath, while the reverse adapts the Great Seal of the United States with a heraldic eagle. The series was struck at several mints through 1915 and circulated heavily, making sharply preserved examples much scarcer than worn pieces. It was replaced in 1916 by the Walking Liberty half dollar.