Numismatic

1926 Sesquicentennial American Independence Half BU

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In 1926, the United States Mint marked a century and a half of American independence with a commemorative silver half dollar. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin contains 0.3617 troy ounces of silver in a 0.900 fine composition. It represents a notable moment in United States numismatic history, with a total mintage of 141,120 pieces produced in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. The obverse of the coin features the side-by-side profile portraits of two United States presidents, George Washington and Calvin Coolidge. This design holds a unique distinction as the very first instance where the likeness of a sitting president was depicted on an official United States coin during his actual lifetime. The inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" are visible on this side. On the reverse, the coin features a detailed representation of the iconic Liberty Bell, a symbol closely tied to the nation's founding. The dual commemorative dates of 1776 and 1926 are inscribed to mark the 150 year anniversary of the nation's independence, inviting observers to contemplate the long journey of the American republic.