Numismatic

1946 Iowa Centennial Commemorative Half XF

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In 1946, the United States marked a century of statehood for Iowa with a commemorative silver half dollar. Struck in 90 percent silver, this coin captures the transition of the state from its mid-nineteenth-century origins to its mid-century prominence. Initially, these coins were offered directly to the citizens of Iowa, celebrating their shared heritage. The obverse of the coin showcases the Old Stone Capitol building located in Iowa City, a structure of central importance in the state's early history. The reverse displays the official state seal of Iowa, which features a prominent eagle and a banner bearing the state motto. Legible inscriptions on the coin include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "HALF DOLLAR," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM," alongside the state's guiding sentiment, "OUR LIBERTIES WE PRIZE AND OUR RIGHTS WE WILL MAINTAIN." With a total mintage of 100,057 pieces, this issue has an unusual distribution history. While most were distributed around the centennial year, two specific groups of 500 coins were intentionally set aside. One group was held back for release during the sesquicentennial in 1996, and the final group of 500 is reserved for distribution in the year 2046, creating a physical link across two centuries of history.