Numismatic

1920 Maine Centennial Half Avg Circ

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In 1920, the Philadelphia Mint struck a special silver half dollar to mark one hundred years since Maine entered the Union. This commemorative coin, containing 0.3617 troy ounces of silver, was produced with a total mintage of just over 50,000 pieces. Today, these circulated examples offer a tangible connection to early twentieth-century American commemoration. The obverse side of the coin displays the official coat of arms for the state of Maine. Prominently featured within this design is the Latin motto DIRIGO, meaning "I direct" or "I guide." Surrounding the central imagery are the inscriptions identifying the issuing nation as the United States of America, along with the half dollar denomination. The reverse of the coin centers on a symbolic wreath enclosing a commemorative inscription. The text honors the Maine Centennial, marking the passage of time from 1820 to 1920. This side also bears the traditional national mottoes, including the phrase "In God We Trust," completing a design that celebrates both local state pride and national identity.