Numismatic

1938-S Arkansas Centennial Half Dollar Commem BU

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Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this 1938 silver half dollar represents a fascinating moment in American commemorative coinage, celebrating one hundred years since Arkansas joined the Union. The coin contains 0.3617 troy ounces of silver and was produced in a very limited run of just 9,660 pieces, making it a compelling subject for study. The design features a dual-portrait concept on its obverse, showing the profiles of an Indigenous chief from the year 1836 alongside an American girl from 1935. This pairing visually bridges the century between the state's admission and its centennial era. The models for these figures were prepared by Emily Bates, based on the original designs by Edward Everett Burr. On the reverse, a powerful eagle stands positioned before the Arkansas state flag. The surrounding inscriptions include the issuing nation, United States of America, along with the denomination, Half Dollar, and the 1938 year of manufacture. The small S mint mark denotes its origin from the San Francisco facility, completing a richly detailed piece of regional history captured in precious metal.