Numismatic

1936 Cleveland-Great Lakes Commemorative Half BU

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In 1936, the United States marked a major regional milestone with a special silver half dollar celebrating both the pioneer Moses Cleveland and the Great Lakes Exposition. Struck in 90 percent silver, this commemorative coin showcases a distinct blend of portraiture and cartography, capturing a specific moment in mid-twentieth-century American design. The front of the coin displays a profile portrait of Moses Cleveland, the founder of the city that bears his name. Surrounding his likeness are the inscriptions denoting the denomination as a half dollar, alongside the word Liberty. On the reverse, the coin features a creative aerial perspective of the Great Lakes region, highlighting the location of the exposition. A prominent compass rose sits above the map, guiding the viewer's eye across the lakes. This side also incorporates the traditional national mottos, including the phrases In God We Trust and E Pluribus Unum, alongside the commemorative year of 1936.