1937 Battle of Antietam Anniversary Silver Half Dollar

A commemorative half dollar was issued to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam, during which General McClellan thwarted General Lee’s invasion of Maryland. This followed a separate coin recently issued for the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.
The obverse of the Battle of Antietam Half Dollar features the profile portraits of General George B. McClellan and General Robert E. Lee. The numerous inscriptions include “United States of America”, “Half Dollar”, “In God We Trust”, “Liberty”, “Gen. George B. McClellan”, and “Gen. Robert E. Lee”.
On the reverse of the coin is an image of the Burnside Bridge, which was an important tactical objective of the battle. The surrounding inscritions read “Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Battle of Antietam”, “1937″, “E Pluribus Unum”, “The Burnside Bridge”, and “September 17 1862″. The designs for the coin were created by William Marks Simpson, who had also designed the recent commemorative issues for the Norfolk and Roanoke Island. All of these coins include an unusually large number of inscriptions.
A maximum of 50,000 pieces were authorized to be produced. The entire number was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and send to the Washington County Historical Society, which offered the 1937 Antietam Half Dollars for $1.65 each. The general market for commemorative coins had declined by this time and sales were slow. Eventually 32,000 pieces were returned to the mint for melting. Of the three Civil War themed early commemoratives (Stone Mountain, Gettysburg, and Antietam), the final issue had the lowest mintage.

Antietam Half Dollar Coin Specifications

Designer: William Marks Simpson
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 75-160
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 50,000

Antietam Half Dollar Mintage
1937: 18,028

1951-1954 Washington Carver Silver Half Dollar

 The last design released for the early commemorative coins was the George Washington Carver Half Dollar. The authorizing legislation passed in 1951 called for the melting of all unsold Booker T. Washington Half Dollars and the recoinage into coins bearing conjoined profile portraits of George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington.
Part of the impetus for the approval of the final commemorative coin program seems to have been the intended purpose to “oppose the spread of Communism among Negroes in the interest of national defense.” Models for the design were prepared by Isaac Scott Hathaway, but both were initially rejected. The obverse featured a three quarter profile portrait of Booker T. Washington behind the profile portrait of George Washington Carver. The reverse featured the American Legion seal with inscriptions including “United Against the Spread of Communism”.
The revised and later approved models featured both portraits in profile, surrounded by lengthy inscriptions reading “United States of America”, “In God We Trust”, “E Pluribus Unum”, “George W. Carver”, “Liberty”, “Booker T. Washington”, “Half Dollar”, and the date. On the reverse was a simple map of the United States of America, curiously with Delaware omitted. The inscriptions read “Freedom and Opportunity for All” and “Americanism”. After some of the incredibly ornate designs for early commemoratives, many saw this reverse design as a low point.
Coins were issued in three coin sets containing one of each mint mark for each year of issue. Prices were $9 or $10 per set, and later $12 per set for the 1954 coins. In 1952, there was some attempt to issue the coins broadly through banks, but many were eventually distributed at or near face value. By the end of the program, more than one million coins would be distributed.
For nearly three decades, no additional commemorative coins were approved within the United States. Any proposals were met by the Treasury Department with the long list of complaints that had arisen due to past abuses. Thus ended the era of early commemorative coins.

George Washington Carver Half Dollar Coin Specifications
Designer: Isaac Scott Hathaway
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 82-151
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 3,415,631 (remaining quantity from Public Law 79-610)

George Washington Carver Half Dollar Mintage
1951: 20,018
1951-D: 10,004
1951-S: 10,004
1952: 1,106,292
1952-D: 8,006
1952-S: 8,006
1953: 8,003
1953-D: 8,003
1953-S: 88,020
1954: 12,006
1954-D: 12,006
1954-S: 42,024

1936 York County Tercentenary Half Dollar

The founding of the first county of Maine was commemorated by the 1936 York County Tercentenary Half Dollar. This issue was released amidst the outpouring of other commemoratives issued during the year, for occasions both significant and relatively obscure.
Designs for the coin were created by Walter H. Rich, a wildlife painter from Portland. The obverse features an image of Brown’s Garrison, the original settlement of York County. The image is based on a woodcut printed in The Proprietors of Saco. Within a large circular border are inscriptions “United States of America” and “Half Dollar”. Within the central image are inscriptions “Liberty” and “E Pluribus Unum”.
The reverse of the coin features the York County Seal, which consists of a shield containing a cross and pine tree. Inscriptions within the border read “York County” and “First County in Maine”. Within the central area are the anniversary dates “1636″ and “1936″ with the motto “In God We Trust”.
The maximum authorized mintage for the York Half Dollars was 30,000 pieces. An initial quantity of 25,015 was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and offered for sale by the York County Tercentenary Coin Commission for $1.50 to state residents and $1.65 to those out of state. Sales of remaining unsold quantities are said to have continued until the 1950′s.
For present day collectors, the 1936 York County Half Dollar is readily available, even in gem condition. On many examples, contact marks may be visible on the vertical lines which compose the cross on the reverse, but with a little patience a clean example can be found.

York County Half Dollar Coin Specifications

Designer: Walter H. Reich
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 74-485
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 30,000

York County Half Dollar Mintage
1936: 25,015

1937 Roanoke Island, North Carolina 350th Anniversary Half Dollar

A silver commemorative coin was authorized to mark the 350th anniversary of the establishment of Roanoke Colony. This early attempt to establish a permanent English settlement in America became known as the Lost Colony when all of the inhabitants mysteriously vanished.
The obverse of the 1937 Roanoke Half Dollar features a profile portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh, who had been granted the charter for colonization by Queen Elizabeth I. The inscriptions read “United States of America”, “E Pluribus Unum”, “Liberty”, “1937″, “Sir Walter Raleigh”, and “Half Dollar”.
On the reverse is an image of Ellinore Dare and her child Virginia Dare, who was the first child born in America to English parents. To each side are sailing ships and below is a pine branch. The surrounding inscriptions read “The Colonization of Roanoke Island North Carolina”, “The Birth of Virginia Dare”, “In God We Trust”, and the anniversary dates “1587-1937″.
The coins were designed by William Marks Simpson, who had also designed the Antietam Half Dollar and the Norfolk Half Dollar with his wife.
Under the authorizing legislation, the Roanoke Half Dollars had a minimum mintage of 25,000 pieces and no established maximum. A total of 50,000 pieces were struck at the Philadelphia Mint in two batches. The coins were distributed through the Roanoke Colony Memorial Association of Manteo at an issue price of $1.65. Although sales levels exceeded the number of coins sold for other recent issues, eventually a large portion of the production was returned for melting, resulting in net distribution of 29,030.
The Roanoke Half Dollars remain a readily available issue of the early commemorative series, with pieces available though gem grades and higher at reasonable prices.

Roanoke Half Dollar Coin Specifications

Designer: William Marks Simpson
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 74-790
Maximum Authorized Mintage: none (minimum 25,000)

Roanoke Half Dollar Mintage
1937: 29,030

1946 Iowa Centennial Silver Half Dollar

After a period of dormancy for commemorative coins, the Iowa Centennial Half Dollar was produced and issued in 1946 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Iowa’s statehood.
Abuses of the commemorative coin program had come to the forefront after a Congressional hearing held on April 15, 1937. There were complaints about some programs which had ordered coins from a number of different mints over a number of years to create additional varieties and complaints the curious distribution of some program which resulted in few if any coins being sold to the public at issue prices. As a result of the hearings 81 bills proposing commemorative coins were buried and authority was revoked to produce additional coins for existing programs.
The issuance of commemorative coins was reconsidered following a change in administration. The 1946 Iowa Centennial Half Dollar was authorized on August 7, 1946 with a maximum mintage of 100,000 pieces.
The obverse design of the coins would feature the Old Stone Capitol. The inscriptions read “United States of America”, “Half Dollar”, “In God We Trust”, “Liberty”, and in small print beneath the building “Old Stone Capitol Iowa City”.
On the reverse of the coin was the image of an eagle adapted from the Iowa State Seal. The eagle holds a ribbon in its beak which reads, “‘Our Liberties Our Rights We Prize and Will Maintain”. The remaining inscriptions include “Iowa Statehood Centennial”, “1846″, “1946″, and “E Pluribus Unum”.
The coins were distributed by the Iowa Centennial Committee for $2.50 to state residents and $3 to others. The entire authorized mintage sold out, with more than 90,000 distributed to residents. An amount of 500 pieces was set side for distribution in 1996, and 500 more pieces for distribution in 2046. In 1996, the coins were offered for $500 each in special holders. Sales were slow since the offering price was far above the market price for uncirculated pieces.

Iowa Half Dollar Coin Specifications

Designer: Adam Pietz
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 79-612
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 100,000

Iowa Half Dollar Mintage
1936: 100,057

1936 Long Island Tercentenary Half Dollar

Of the many commemorative issues for the year, the 1936 Long Island Tercentenary Half Dollar had the highest total distribution. A total of 81,826 coins out of the 100,000 maximum mintage were ultimately sold to collectors and enthusiastic residents of the area.
The coins were authorized to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the settlement of Long Island by Dutch colonists. Designs for the coin were created by Howard Kenneth Weinman, the son of Adolph A Weinman, who had designed the Winged Liberty Dime and Walking Liberty Half Dollar.
The obverse design features the heads of a Dutch settler and an Alogonquin Native American. The heads are partially imposed on each other, to infer the harmonious balance of a peaceful settlement. The inscriptions are “Liberty” above the portraits and “E Pluribus Unum” below. On the reverse is the image of a Dutch sailing vessel. The inscriptions read “United States of America”, “In God We Trust”, “1936″, and “Long Island Tercentenary”.
The original issue price for the Long Island Half Dollars was $1, with the coins available through the Long Island Tercentenary Committee. Despite the high mintage, the number of gem condition survivors is somewhat low. Frequently encountered problems include bag marks or abrasions on the high points of the coin, the cheek of the Dutch settler on the obverse and the sails of the ship on the reverse.

Long Island Tercentenary Half Dollar Coin Specifications

Designer: Howard Kenneth Weinman
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 74-517
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 100,000

Long Island Tercentenary Half Dollar Mintage
1936: 81,826

1936 Battle of Gettysburg Anniversary Silver Half Dollar

The 1936 Battle of Gettysburg Half Dollar was issued to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the pivotal battle of the American Civil War. The issue has become one of the more popular amongst the early commemorative coins.
The obverse depicts Union and Confederate soldiers in profile, with inscriptions “United States of America”, “Blue and Gray Reunion”, “Liberty”, and “E Pluribus Unum”. On the reverse are Union and Confederate shields separated by a fasces, a bundle of sticks bound together around a double sided axe, with sprays of oak and laurel to each side. The inscriptions read “75th Anniversary”, “1863″, “Battle of Gettysburg”, “1938″, “In God We Trust”, “1936″, and “Half Dollar”.
Designed by Frank Vittor, the design for the coin is sometimes described as medallic in appearance. This effect is created by the outer ring containing inscriptions and the exaggerated basining of the fields.
Similar to the Delaware Half Dollar, the Gettysburg Half Dollar is associated with a somewhat confusing array of dates. The coins are issued to celebrate an anniversary which occurs in 1938, however they were issued in 1937, and dated 1936.
The maximum authorized mintage for the Battle of Gettysburg Half Dollar was 50,000 pieces to be struck at a single mint. The entire number was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and distributed by the Pennsylvania State Commission at a price of $1.65 per coin. In 1938, an unsold quantity of coins was turned over to the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania, who sold the coins for $2.65 each. Eventually, an unsold quantity of 23,100 pieces was returned to the mint for melting.
This issue carries a premium due to its popularity, but it generally readily available. Pieces can be found in gem grades, although many coins will shows contact marks on the highest points of the design, the soldier’s faces on the obverse and the shields on the reverse. With some patience, a high grade example with minimal distracting marks can be located.

Gettysburg Half Dollar Coin Specifications
Designer: Frank Vittor
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 74-91
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 50,000

Gettysburg Half Dollar Mintage
1936: 26,928

1936 Cincinnati Music Center Half Dollar

The 1936 Cincinnati Music Center Half Dollar is often cited as one of the early commemorative coins issued for a topic questionable historical significance and primarily for the profit of an enthusiastic promoter. Officially, the coins were authorized to commemorative “the fiftieth anniversary of Cincinnati, Ohio, as a center of music, and its contribution to the art of music for the past fifty years.”
The obverse design features an image of Stephen Foster, an important American composer of his era, known for songs such as “Oh! Susanna”, “Camptown Races”, and “My Old Kentucky Home”. Inscriptions surrounding the portrait include “United States of America”, “Stephen Foster, America’s Troubadour”, and “Half Dollar”. The reverse features a female figure holding a lyre, intended to personify music. The inscriptions include “Cincinnati, A Music Center of America”, “In God We Trust”, “E Pluribus Unum”, “Liberty”, “1886″ and “1926″.
When the designs were sent to the the Commission of Fine Arts for approval, they raised series issues about the design and legitimacy of the commemorative coin issue. They could not find anyone in music circles who knew about the proposed coin. They also presented information showing that the city’s leadership in music could be traced back to 1873, with the May Festival Association organized by George Ward Nichols. The date 1886, which was included on the coin, carried no particular significance. Stephen Foster, who appeared on the obverse of the coin, had no role in the movement in Cincinnati, but only lived there briefly while he was a bookkeeper.
Despite these reservations and the CFA’s outright rejection of the designs, the coins were ultimately issued at their maximum authorized mintage of 15,000 pieces plus additional examples for assay. The production was divided equally between the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mint facilities, resulting in extremely low mintages.
The coins were offered at $7.75 for a complete set of three coins, which represented the highest initial pricing for a silver commemorative to date. Very few coins were actually purchased at this price, as the entire mintage was quickly announced as sold out. It is believed that many of the sets were placed with insiders or those close to the issuer, who began offering them for sale at significantly higher prices following the “sell out.”

Cincinnati Music Center Half Dollar Coin Specifications

Designer: Constance Ortmayer
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 74-485
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 15,000

Cincinnati Music Center Half Dollar Mintage
1936: 5,005
1936-D: 5,005
1936-S: 5,006

1936 Bridgeport Centennial Half Dollar

The 1936 Bridgeport Centennial Half Dollar was issued for the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of city in Connecticut. The city had actually been founded almost two centuries early in 1639, but had remained unincorporated.
Designs for the commemorative coin were by Henry Kreis, who had also designed 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar. The obverse features a portrait of Bridgeport’s most famous citizen, P.T. Barnum. The well known entertainer, showman, and philanthropist is remembered for his circus, museum, and the promotion of numerous celebrated hoaxes. Inscriptions surrounding his portrait include “Bridgeport Connecticut Centennial”, “P.T. Barnum”, and “1836-1936″.
The reverse design features an modernistic interpretation of an eagle. It bears similarities to the earlier reverse design for the Connecticut Half Dollar, but carries the modernistic approach to a more extreme level. The inscription above reads “United States of America” with the denomination “Half Dollar” below. In smaller font near the base of the eagle are “In God We Trust”, “E Pluribus Unum”, and “Liberty”.
Distribution of the Bridgeport Half Dollars took place through Bridgeport Centennial, Inc. at a cost of $2. The authorizing legislation had specified a minimum mintage of 25,000 pieces, which was the actual number minted with a few additional pieces for assay. After the majority of the mintage was sold at the full issue price, a remaining quantity was wholesaled at a small premium to face value.
The 1936 Bridgeport Half Dollar is another readily available issue, even in higher grades. Many pieces, even those encapsulated with high grades, with show abrasions on the wide high points of the coin. On the obverse this is Barnum’s cheek and on the reverse this is the eagle’s wing.

Bridgeport Centennial Half Dollar Coin Specifications
Designer: Henry Kreis
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 74-485
Maximum Authorized Mintage: none (minimum 25,000)

Bridgeport Centennial Half Dollar Mintage
1936: 25,015

1936 Delaware Tercentenary Silver Half Dollar

A commemorative coin was approved to mark the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the landing of the Swedes in Delaware. Known as the Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar, this issue is associated with a confusing array of dates. The date on the obverse is 1936, the coins were struck in 1937, and the anniversary date on the reverse is 1938.
The designs for the coin were selected through a competition judged by United States Mint Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock and sculptor Robert Tait MacKenzie. The winning entry was submitted by Carl L. Schmitz.
The obverse of the Delaware Half Dollar features an image of the Old Swedes Church, which was dedicated in 1699. The inscriptions read “United States of America”, “Half Dollar”, “In God We Trust”, and “1936″. The reverse depicts the ship Kalmar Nyckel, which brought Swedish settlers to the country. The inscriptions include “Delaware Tercentenary”, “E Pluribus Unum”, “Liberty”, “1638″, and “1938″. Due to the arrangement of the inscriptions there was some confusion about which side of the coin was the obverse and which was the reverse. Official mint records indicate the side bearing the image of the Old Swedes Church as the obverse.
The 1936 Delaware Half Dollars were distributed by the Delaware Swedish Tercentenary Commission for $1.75 each. A minimum production of 25,000 pieces was specified under the authorizing legislation. This entire number was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Eventually, 4,022 unsold pieces were returned to the mint for melting.

Delaware Half Dollar Coin Specifications
Designer: Carl L. Schmitz
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 74-91
Maximum Authorized Mintage: none (minimum 25,000)

Delaware Half Dollar Mintage
1936: 20,993

1936 Lynchburg Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

One of a few early commemorative coins to feature the likeness of a living person is the 1936 Lynchburg Sesquicentennial Half Dollar. The coins were issued to mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of Lynchburg, a city in Virginia.
The obverse of the coins depicts Virginia Senator Carter Glass. As mentioned, he was living at the time the coins were minted and issued. Other living persons to appear on commemorative coins include Governor Thomas E. Kilby on the 1921 Alabama Half Dollar and Senator Joseph T. Robinson on the 1936 Robinson-Arkansas Half Dollar. The obverse inscriptions of the present coin read “United States of America”, “In God We Trust”, “Liberty”, and “Carter Glass”.
On the reverse is a depiction of Liberty, standing before the Lynchburg courthouse. Interestingly, this is one of only two early commemoratives to feature an image of Liberty, the other being the 1926 Sesquicentennial Gold Quarter Eagle. The inscriptions of the present coin read “Lynchburg Virginia Sesquicentennial”, “E Pluribus Unum”, “1786″, “1936″, and “Half Dollar”. The designs for the coin were prepared by Charles Keck, who had designed a few other previous commemorative issues.
The 1936 Lynchburg Half Dollar was authorized with a minimum mintage of 20,000 pieces and no specified maximum. The final mintage was 20,013, which includes the pieces struck for assay. Initial pricing was quite reasonable at $1 per coin through the Lynchburg Sesqui-Centennial Association. The entire mintage sold out, with relatively wide distribution. Present day collectors can find the coins readily available, even in gem grade.

Lynchburg Half Dollar Coin Specifications
Designer: Charles Keck
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 74-485
Maximum Authorized Mintage: none (minimum 20,000)

Lynchburg Half Dollar Mintage
1936: 20,013

1936 Norfolk Bicentennial Silver Half Dollar

The 1936 Norfolk Bicentennial Half Dollar was issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the establishment of Norfolk, Virginia as a borough. Both the obverse and reverse of the coins carry incredibly voluminous number of inscriptions, which dominate the design.
At the center of the obverse is a reproduction of the Norfolk City Seal, which carries a ship plow and stocks of grain. Inscriptions are placed in three concentric circles surrounding this image. The inscriptions read “Borough of Norfolk Bicentennial”, “1936″, “City of Norfolk Virginia”, “Town 1682″, “Borough 1736″, “City 1845″, “Et Terra Et Mare Divitiae Tuae” (Both by Land and by Sea Thy Riches Are), and “Crescas” (Thou Shalt Grow).
The reverse carries an image of the Royal Mace of Norfolk, which was presented by Lieutenant Governor Dinwiddie in 1753. The date “1636″ appears at center with two floral sprays. As with the obverse, many inscriptions surround, reading “United States of America”, “Half Dollar”, “Norfolk Virginia Land Grant”, “In God We Trust”, “E Pluribus Unum”, and “Liberty”. Designs for the coin were prepared by William Marks Simpson and Marjorie Emory Simpson.
Under the authorizing legislation, the Norfolk Half Dollars had a maximum mintage of 25,000 pieces. By the time the coins were issued, the outpouring of commemorative coin issues had taken its toll on the collector market and sales went slowly. The coins were distributed by the Norfolk Advertising Board at a cost of $1.50 each locally or $1.65 by mail. Many pieces were reportedly sold at discounted prices to dealers in bulk quantities. Eventually, unsold coins were returned to the mint for melting, resulting in a net distribution of 16,936.
The 1936 Norfolk Half Dollar is readily encountered in high grades. The many inscriptions on both sides of the coin, protected the devices and fields from wear and contact marks. The highest points of the design are the sails of the ship on the obverse and the mace on the reverse.

Norfolk Half Dollar Coin Specifications
Designer: William Marks Simpson, Marjorie Emory Simpson
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 74-164
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 25,000

Norfolk Half Dollar Mintage
1936: 16,936

1936 Albany, New York Charter Half Dollar

Another local anniversary was celebrated with the issuance of a commemorative coin. The 1936 Albany Half Dollar was issued to mark the 250th anniversary that a charter was granted to the city of Albany, New York.
The designs for the coin are viewed favorably by collectors, particularly the obverse which features a beaver gnawing on a maple branch. The designer of the coin Gertrude Lathrop had a live beaver in her studio at the time the coin was being designed. The obverse inscriptions include “United States of America”, “E Pluribus Unum”, “In God We Trust”, and “Half Dollar”.
The reverse of the Albany Half Dollar depicts Colonial Governor Sir Thomas Dongan presenting a charter to Peter Schuyler, Albany’s first mayor, and Robert Livingston. An eagle in flight appears above the scene. The inscriptions read “Settled 1614″, “Chartered 1686″, “1936″, and “Albany N.Y.”
Despite a request for a maximum authorized mintage of 10,000 pieces, the legislation set the issue at 25,000 pieces, which were all struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The coins were distributed by the Albany Dongan Charter Coin Committee for $2 each. At the time the coins were being released, the public’s enthusiasm for commemorative coin issues had faded, amidst the flood of new issues and certain abuses of the program. Sales progressed more slowly than expected and remained on sale for more than six years. At this point, the remaining quantity was returned for melting. The net distribution for the issue was 17,671.

Albany Half Dollar Coin Specifications
Designer: Gertrude Lathrop
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 74-687
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 25,000

Albany Half Dollar Mintage
1936: 17,671

Daniel Boone Bicentennial Silver Half Dollar 1934-1938

The Daniel Boone Half Dollar was minted to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the famous frontiersman, explorer, and folk hero. Originally, the coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint to coincide with the bicentennial year. During the next four years, the coins would continue to be struck, across three different mint facilities.
On the obverse of the coin is a portrait of Daniel Boone. Since no known portraits of him exist, this is an artists conception created by Augustus Lukemann. The likeness looks decidedly different than the portrait of Boone, which had appeared on the previous 1921 Missouri Centennial Half Dollar. The inscriptions surrounding the portrait include “United States of America” and “Half Dollar”.
The reverse of the coin features a scene of the frontiersman holding a chart of Kentucky and a musket, facing an American Indian holding a tomahawk. In the background a blockhouse stockade and a sun with rays appear. This was also designed by Augustus Lukemann. The inscriptions read “In God We Trust”, “E Pluribus Unum”, “Daniel Boone Bicentennial Pioneer Year”, and the date of issue.
Out of the maximum authorized mintage of 600,000 coins, there were only 10,007 of the 1934 Daniel Boone Half Dollars produced and sold at a price of $1.60 each. In the following year, additional coins were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints carrying the 1935 date. Subsequent to the initial distribution, legislation was passed in Congress stipulating that the original design should be supplemented by adding the bicentennial year “1934″ to the reverse of the coin. A smaller number of coins were minted with the “small 1934 on reverse” and came to represent a scarce variety.
More coins continued to be minted and issued in 1936, 1937, and 1938. The final two years would have smaller net distribution levels as collectors began to grow weary of the endless string of varieties of the commemorative coin, issued years after the actual bicentennial.

Daniel Boone Bicentennial Half Dollar Coin Specifications
Designer: Augustus Lukemann

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 73-258
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 600,000

Daniel Boone Bicentennial Half Dollar Mintages
1934: 10,007
1935: 10,010
1935-D: 5,005
1935-S: 5,005
1935, small 1934 on reverse: 10,008
1935-D, small 1934 on reverse: 2,003
1935-S, small 1934 on reverse: 2,004
1936: 12,012
1936-D: 5,005
1936-S: 5,006
1937: 9,810
1937-D: 2,506
1937-S: 2,506
1938: 2,100
1938-D: 2,100
1938-S: 2,100

1936 San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge Half Dollar

The opening of the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge was commemorated with the issuance of a silver half dollar. Commonly referred to as the Bay Bridge Half Dollar, the issue proved to be one of the most popular from the plethora of commemorative coins released during the same year.
The coins were designed by San Francisco artist Jacques Schnier. The obverse features a grizzly bear, as a symbol of California, in three-quarter view. The inscriptions read “United States of America”, “In God We Trust”, “Liberty”, and “Half Dollar”. The reverse design depicts the Bay Bridge, with Ferry Tower in the foreground, Yerba Buena Island and East Bay Hills in the distance. The design is intriguing in the virtual lack of any completely smooth fields. Both the water and sky are presented in a modernistic pattern. Inscriptions read “San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge” and “1936″.
The maximum authorized mintage for the issue was 200,000 pieces. The Coin Committee of the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge Celebration ordered 100,000 coins and indicated that it was their intention to only issue this amount. Coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint.
Sales took place at a cost of $1.50 per coin by mail and through the booths at the bridge entrances where people could drive-up to buy the coins.In 1937, sales were ended and an unsold quantity of 28,631 coins were melted. This resulted in a net distribution of 71,424 pieces for the 1936 Bay Bridge Half Dollar.
Because of the unique design, the obverse is more prone to displaying contact marks and abrasions. The complex and intricate design of the reverse tends to protect or obscure any such marks. The issue remains readily available for present day collectors, affordable through gem grades.

Bay Bridge Half Dollar Coin Specifications 

Designer: Jacques Schnier
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 74-820
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 200,000

Bay Bridge Half Dollar Mintage

1936: 71,424

Early United States Commemorative Coins 1926-1935

As the popularity of coin collecting increased, the number of commemorative coins issued within the United States Mint grew. Typically, the coins were struck by the Mint and provided to organizations at face value. In turn, the organizations would offer the coins to the public at a premium, raising funds various causes. This lucrative practice began to see some abuses.
During the era from 1926-1935, many programs would see the issuance of coins across multiple years in order to maximize revenues. Certain coins were also struck at different mint facilities, once again in order to increase the total number of coins sold due to the collector need for completion.
Highlights from this era include three issues with relatively low mintages. The silver half dollars issued for the Hawaiian Sesquicentennial, Hudson Sesquicentennial, and the Old Spanish Trail each had total distribution of only 10,000 pieces. In particular, the Hawaiian Half Dollar was distributed mainly to residents of the islands, leaving very few for collectors. Other highlights include certain issues with popular designs such as the Oregon Trail Memorial and Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollars.

Detailed Information on 1926-1935 Early United States commemorative coins

1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar
1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence Quarter Eagle
1926-1939 Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar
1927 Vermont Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
1934 Maryland Tercentenary Half Dollar
1934-1938 Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollar
1934-1938 Daniel Boone Bicentennial Half Dollar
1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar
1935-1939 Arkansas Centennial Half Dollar
1935 Hudson Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
1935-1936 San Diego California-Pacific Exposition Half Dollar
1935 Old Spanish Trail Half Dollar

Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar 1926

The 1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar is most often noted for its low relief design, which gives the coins somewhat of an unattractive appearance. This was one of two commemorative coins issued for the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The obverse of the coin features the busts of George Washington and Calvin C. Coolidge. Th latter was the President at the time of issue and represented the first time that a U.S. President appeared on a coin during his lifetime. Inscriptions surrounding read “Liberty”, “United States of America”, and “In God We Trust”.
On the reverse of the coin is an image of the Liberty Bell with the anniversary dates “1776″ and “1926″ to each side. The remaining inscriptions read “Sesquicentennial of American Independence” and “Half Dollar”. This reverse design by John R. Sinnock would later be used for the series of Franklin Half Dollars issued from 1948 to 1963.
The Sesquicentennial Half Dollars were authorized in a quantity of up to one million coins. In anticipation of widespread demand the entire amount was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The coins were offered for sale at $1 each and ultimately only sold 141,120 pieces. The remaining amount was melted. Ironically, the initial unpopularity of the design which led to low sales, now makes this one of the more valuable commemorative coins due to the low resulting mintage.

American Sesquicentennial Half Dollar Coin Specifications
Designer: John R. Sinnock
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 68-62
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 1000000

American Sesquicentennial Half Dollar Mintage
1926: 141,120

Sesquicentennial of American Independence Quarter Eagle 1926

Two commemorative coins were issued to mark the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The 1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence Quarter Eagle was the lower mintage issue of the two, struck in gold.
John R. Sinnock, the chief engraver of the United States Mint, designed both the present quarter eagle and Sesquicentennial Half Dollar commemorative coins.
The obverse of the quarter eagle depicts Liberty standing on a portion of the globe. She holds a scroll in one hand representing the Declaration of Independence and a lit torch in the other. Surrounding inscriptions include “United States of America”, “Liberty”, “1776″, and “1926″. Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is depicted on the reverse. Inscriptions read “Sesquicentennial of American Independence”, “E Pluribus Unum”, and “2 1/2 Dollars”.
The 1926 Sesquicentennial Quarter Eagle had a maximum authorized mintage of 200,000 coins and were sold at a price of $4 each. The US Mint struck the entire authorized mintage, but ended up melting more than three quarters of the coins after they failed to sell. Despite the importance of the anniversary, the coins failed to generate significant interest from the public.
Notably, this would represent the last of the early commemorative coins struck in gold. All remaining issues of the series would take the form of the silver half dollar.

Sesquicentennial of American Independence Quarter Eagle  Coin Specifications
Designer: John R. Sinnock
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
Weight: 4.18 g
Diameter: 18 mm
Authorization: Public Law No. 68-62
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 10000

Sesquicentennial of American Independence Quarter Eagle Mintage
1926: 46,019

Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar 1926-1939

Despite having one of the most beautiful design in the series, the Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar is usually cited as the best example of the abuses which began to take place within commemorative coin programs. Between the years 1926 and 1939, the coins were minted with eight different dates at three different mint facilities for varying prices, in an attempt to make as much money as possible.
The obverse of the Oregon Trail Half Dollar was designed by Laura Gardin Fraser. It features a covered wagon drawn by two oxen moving west, towards the setting sun. The inscription “In God We Trust” appears above with “Oregon Trail Memorial” and the date below. (Officially, the US Mint states this as the obverse of the coin, although the designers of the coin and many collectors consider this the reverse of the coin.)
The other side of the coin was designed by James Earle Fraser. The full figure of a Native American in headdress is shown. He stands before a map of the United States with the Oregon Trail marked, with his left hand outstretched to the east and a bow in his right hand spanning the continent. The inscriptions read “United States of America” and “Half Dollar”.
The maximum authorized mintage for the program was set at a lofty 6 million pieces, which was the largest authorization for commemorative coin thus far. For the first year of issue coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and San Francisco Mint and offered by the Oregon Trail Memorial Association for $1 each.
Since the law authorizing the coins did not include a specific time frame or mint, the Association requested more coins struck in subsequent years and from different mints. Additional coins would be minted in 1928, 1933, 1934, 1936, 1937, 1938, and 1939, variously at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. Individual coin pricing varied from $1.50 to $2.00 to $1.60. The final two years were sold as complete sets from all three mints for $6.25 and later $7.50 each.
Despite the vast number of different issues for the Oregon Trail Half Dollars, ultimately only 264,419 coins were sold. All coins remain relatively accessible for collectors of today, despite some lower mintages. Some issues are available in exceptionally high grades at relatively affordable prices.

Oregon Trail Half Dollar Coin Specifications
Designer: Laura Gardin Fraser (obverse), James Earle Fraser (reverse)
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 69-235
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 6000000

Oregon Trail Half Dollar Mintages
1926: 47,955
1926-S: 83,055
1928: 6,028
1933-D: 5,008
1934-D: 7,006
1936: 10,006
1936-S: 5,006
1937-D: 12,008
1938: 6,006
1938-D: 6,005
1938-S: 6,006
1939: 3,004
1939-D: 3,004
1939-S: 3,005

Vermont Sesquicentennial Half Dollar 1927

The 1927 Vermont Sesquicentennial Half Dollar was issued to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Bennington and the independence of Vermont. This occurred in 1777, and it was not until 1791 that Vermont would join the Union.
Designs for the coin were by Charles Keck, who had earlier create the design for the Panama-Pacific Gold Dollar. His design for the 1927 Vermont Half Dollar was executed in the highest relief of any early commemorative half dollar issued. The obverse of the coin depicts Ira Allen, the founder of Vermont and one of the Green Mountain Boys, who would defeat the British at the Battle of Bennington. The inscriptions include “United States of America”, “Ira Allen”, and “Founder of Vermont”.
The design for the reverse of the coin was a point of contention for those involved in the design process. Other possibilities had included an image of the Bennington Monument obelisk and an image of the Catamount Tavern where the Green Mountain Boys would meet. It was eventually decided that the image of a catamount would represent be more appropriate as a representation of the tavern. Inscriptions on the reverse include “Battle of Bennington”, “In God We Trust”, “1777-1927″, “Aug 16″, “E Pluribus Unum”, and “Half Dollar”.
The original issue price for the Vermont Sesquicentennial Half Dollar was $1, with sales conducted by the Bennington Battle Monument and Historical Association. Out of the maximum authorized mintage of 40,000 pieces, a total of 28,142 were distributed and the rest were returned to the Mint for melting.

Vermont Sesquicentennial Half Dollar Coin Specifications
Designer: Charles Keck
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 68-452
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 40,000

Vermont Sesquicentennial Half Dollar Mintages
1927: 28,142