Numismatic

1923-S Monroe Doctrine Half Avg Circ

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Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this 1923 silver coin commemorates the one-hundredth anniversary of a defining foreign policy statement. The half dollar contains 0.3617 troy ounces of silver and represents a fascinating moment in American commemorative coinage, with a total mintage of 274,077 pieces. The front of the coin displays the profiles of James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, side by side. Legible inscriptions on this face include the issuing country, the denomination, and the traditional motto, alongside the dual dates marking the centennial from 1823 to 1923. On the reverse, a highly stylized map of the Western Hemisphere is formed by the bodies of two female figures. Their shapes artfully trace the outlines of North and South America, creating a visual representation of the continents. This side also notes the connection to Los Angeles, where the centennial celebration took place.