Numismatic

1935-D Boone Commemorative Half Dollar BU

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In 1935, the Denver Mint struck a remarkably limited run of just 5,005 silver half dollars to honor Daniel Boone, a prominent early American folk hero. This coin, struck in 90 percent pure silver, contains 0.3617 troy ounces of precious metal and serves as a striking physical monument to the exploration of the early American frontier. The obverse of the coin displays a left-facing, stylized portrait of Daniel Boone. The reverse composition, crafted by sculptor Augustus Lukeman, presents a dramatic historical scene. It depicts Boone standing face-to-face with Chief Black Fish of the Chillicothe tribe, symbolizing their peace negotiations. In the background, the blockhouse of Boonesboro is visible on the left, while a sun rises on the right. This commemorative issue highlights Boone's extensive travels and efforts to settle the frontier, including his 1763 exploration of Florida, his journeys through Kentucky from 1769 to 1771, an initial colonization attempt in 1773, and the eventual founding of Boonesboro in 1775. The coin remains a fascinating artifact from the mid-century era of United States commemorative coinage.