Numismatic

1920 Maine Centennial Half Dollar XF

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In 1920, the United States marked a century of Maine's statehood with a commemorative silver half dollar. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin contains 0.3617 troy ounces of silver in a 90 percent pure alloy. It represents a tangible piece of early twentieth-century commemoration, with a total mintage of just 50,028 pieces. The obverse of the coin displays the official coat of arms for the state of Maine. Centered within this design is the Latin motto DIRIGO, which translates to "I Direct." This powerful statement of leadership and direction anchors the state's identity on the coinage. On the reverse, a decorative wreath surrounds the central inscriptions. The design commemorates the milestone with the dual dates of 1820 to 1920, marking the passage of one hundred years since Maine entered the Union. This piece stands as a classic example of American commemorative artistry from the post-World War I era.