Historic Perspective:
 
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.
 
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.
 
Now this coin:
 
Commonly known as the Barber half dollar after its designer, the 90% silver Liberty Head half dollar of 1892-1915 features Barber’s classic depiction of Liberty that also appeared on the dime and quarter.
 
The obverse shows Liberty wearing a laurel wreath and Phrygian cap, which is held in place by a narrow band inscribed LIBERTY. The reverse bears an adaptation of the Great Seal of the United States.  This coin features strike throughs.  This makes the coin more valuable and a great addition to any coin collection.
 
In addition, during the Barber half dollar series, the Philadelphia mint did not use a mintmark. No mintmark in the area below the tail feathers of the eagle and above "DO" in Dollar is a coin struck at Philadelphia.  This is a prize addition to your coin collection.