The History of Silver Half Dollars: A Look at the Last 100 Years

Silver half dollars have been around since the early days of the United States. The first silver half dollar was minted in 1794, and the coins have been produced in various designs ever since. The last 100 years have seen some of the most interesting changes in the coin’s design, with the introduction of the Barber Half Dollar in 1892, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar in 1916, and the Franklin Half Dollar in 1948. The Barber Half Dollar was designed by Charles E. Barber and was minted from 1892 to 1915. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Liberty, while the reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar was designed by Adolph A. Weinman and was minted from 1916 to 1947. The obverse of the coin features a full-length figure of Liberty walking towards the sunrise, while the reverse features an eagle perched on a mountain crag. The Franklin Half Dollar was designed by John R. Sinnock and was minted from 1948 to 1963. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, while the reverse features the Liberty Bell. The last 100 years have seen some of the most interesting changes in the design of silver half dollars. From the Barber Half Dollar to the Franklin Half Dollar, these coins have been a part of American history for centuries. Whether you’re a collector or just a history buff, the history of silver half dollars is an interesting one to explore.