Numismatic

1936 Bridgeport Half Dollar MS-64 NGC (Fatty Holder)

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In 1936, the United States Mint released a commemorative half dollar that captures a unique moment in American design and history. This coin, struck in 90% silver with a total silver content of 0.3617 troy ounces, was produced with a limited mintage of just 25,015 pieces. This particular specimen is certified in Mint State 64 (MS-64), preserving its original details and luster. The obverse of the coin features a detailed bust of the famous showman P.T. Barnum, a prominent figure associated with Bridgeport, Connecticut. Legible inscriptions on this side mark the connection to Connecticut and the dates 1856 to 1936, honoring the centennial of Bridgeport's incorporation as a city. On the reverse, the design shifts to a bold, stylized Art Deco eagle. Created by sculptor Henry G. Kreis, this representation of the national bird reflects the modern artistic movements of the 1930s. The contrast between the traditional portrait on the front and the sleek, geometric lines of the eagle on the back makes this issue a fascinating study in twentieth-century numismatic art.