Numismatic

1936 Boone Commemorative Half BU

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In 1936, the United States Mint struck a silver commemorative half dollar honoring one of the nation's most celebrated folk heroes, Daniel Boone. This coin, struck in 90 percent silver with a total precious metal content of 0.3617 troy ounces, belongs to a limited mintage of just 12,012 pieces. Designed by sculptor Augustus Lukeman, the coin serves as a detailed artistic tribute to early American exploration and diplomacy. The obverse of the coin displays an idealized profile of Daniel Boone looking toward the left. This portrait captures the spirit of the explorer who famously traversed Florida in 1763, charted the wilderness of Kentucky from 1769 to 1771, and founded the settlement of Boonesboro in 1775. Legible inscriptions on the coin include the name Daniel Boone and the dual dates referencing the pioneer bicentennial. On the reverse, a dramatic historical scene unfolds. Full-length figures of Daniel Boone and Chief Black Fish of the Chillicothe tribe stand facing each other, representing the peace negotiations they conducted. To the left of the figures, the Boonesboro blockhouse fort is visible, while the sun rises on the right horizon. This intricate design brings a pivotal moment of frontier history to life in brilliant uncirculated detail.