Numismatic

1923-S Monroe Doctrine Half AU

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Struck in 1923 at the San Francisco Mint, this silver half dollar commemorates a landmark century of American foreign policy. The coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.3575 troy ounces of the precious metal. With a total mintage of 274,077 pieces, this issue survived the decades in Almost Uncirculated condition, preserving the intricate details of its unique, century-old design. The front of the coin displays the side-by-side profiles of James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, the two statesmen central to the formulation of the famous doctrine. Inscriptions surrounding the presidents include the issuing nation, the denomination, and the classic motto, "IN GOD WE TRUST," alongside the dual dates marking the centennial. On the reverse, a highly unusual map of the Western Hemisphere is formed by the stylized shapes of two female figures. Their bodies curve to outline the continents of North and South America, symbolizing the unity and protection of the Americas. This artistic representation remains one of the most creative geographical depictions in the history of United States coinage.