This listing is for one 1897-S Barber Half Dollar, as pictured. S mint mark, denoting the San Francisco mint. Good+. VG Details on the obverse, G details on the reverse. Rare Key Date Half Dollar.
The Barber half dollar was designed by United States Bureau of the Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. They were minted between 1892 and 1915. No half dollars were struck in 1916 of the series though the rest of the denominations were.
For much of the second half of the 19th century, most U.S. silver coins bore a design of a seated Liberty. By the late 1880s, there were increasing calls for the replacement of the Seated Liberty design, used since the 1830s on most denominations of silver coins.
In 1891, Mint Director Edward O. Leech, having been authorized by Congress to approve coin redesigns, ordered a competition, seeking a new look for the silver coins. As only the winner would receive a cash prize, invited artists refused to participate and no entry from the public proved suitable. Leech instructed Barber to prepare new designs for the dime, quarter, and half dollar, and after the chief engraver made changes to secure Leech's endorsement, they were approved by President Benjamin Harrison in November 1891.
1897-S Barber Half Dollar - Good+ - 1897S Barber Silver Half Dollar - San Francisco Mint 1897 Half Dollar S Mint - Better Date