Numismatic

1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Avg Circ

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In 1926, the United States marked a monumental milestone: 150 years of national independence. To honor this sesquicentennial, the United States Mint released a commemorative silver half dollar that stands out for its unique design choices and historical significance. Struck in 90% silver, this coin contains 0.3617 troy ounces of precious metal and represents a total mintage of 141,120 pieces. The obverse of the coin displays the profiles of two American leaders: George Washington, the nation's first president, and Calvin Coolidge, who was the active president at the time of the anniversary. This design choice represents a highly unusual occurrence in American coinage, as it features the portrait of a president during his actual lifetime. The inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are paired with the dual commemorative dates of 1776 and 1926. On the reverse, the coin features a detailed depiction of the Liberty Bell, a powerful symbol of American freedom. This commemorative half dollar offers a fascinating look into the way the United States celebrated its sesquicentennial, capturing a moment when the nation's founding era met the roaring twenties.