Numismatic

1938 Arkansas Centennial Half Dollar Commem BU

---

Struck in 1938, this silver half dollar represents a fascinating moment in American commemorative coinage. The issue was created to mark one hundred years since Arkansas joined the United States. With a remarkably low production run of just 3,156 pieces minted in Philadelphia, this coin is a scarce survivor from the pre World War II era. It is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.3617 troy ounces of precious metal, and remains in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. The visual design presents an intriguing contrast of eras. On the obverse, the profiles of a Native American chief from 1836 and an American girl from 1935 appear side by side, bridging a century of history. This side displays the word LIBERTY and references the state centennial. The models for these portraits were prepared by Emily Bates, based on the original designs by Edward Everett Burr. On the reverse, a powerful eagle stands in front of the Arkansas state flag. The inscriptions on this side include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the HALF DOLLAR denomination, alongside the traditional mottos IN GOD WE TRUST and E PLURIBUS UNUM. This highly detailed piece offers a window into the artistic and commemorative trends of the late 1930s.