Numismatic

1936 Wisconsin Territorial Centennial Half Dollar BU

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In 1936, the United States Mint released a special silver half dollar to mark the one hundredth anniversary of the establishment of the Wisconsin Territory. Struck in Philadelphia with a purity of 90 percent silver, this commemorative coin carries a total of 0.3617 troy ounces of precious metal. The issue was limited, with a total production of only 25,015 pieces, making it a fascinating subject for study. The obverse of the coin features a detailed profile of a badger, the animal closely associated with the state, shown facing left as it rests atop a log. This design, created by Benjamin Hawkins, captures a quiet moment of native wildlife. On the reverse, the coin displays the historic seal of the territory. This unusual emblem features a disembodied arm raised aloft, grasping a pickaxe directly over a pile of lead ore. The imagery reflects the early mining history of the region. The inscriptions on the coin record the dual dates of 1836 and 1936, alongside traditional national mottos, creating a rich visual record of a regional milestone.