Numismatic

1947 Booker T. Washington Half Dollar MS-67 NGC

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This 1947 United States commemorative half dollar stands as a striking tribute to educator and leader Booker T. Washington. Struck in 90 percent silver at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin contains 0.3617 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents a significant moment in mid-twentieth-century American numismatics, issued during an era of commemorative coinage that celebrated prominent historical figures. The obverse features a detailed portrait of Booker T. Washington, accompanied by the inscriptions "BOOKER T. WASHINGTON," "HALF DOLLAR," and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." The design also incorporates the traditional mottos "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" alongside the 1947 year of issue. On the reverse, the coin depicts two distinct structures: the log cabin where Washington was born and the Hall of Fame for Great Americans in New York. This visual narrative is framed by the words "FROM SLAVE CABIN TO HALL OF FAME" and "FRANKLIN COUNTY VA," highlighting his life's journey. This particular specimen is graded in an exceptional Mint State 67 (MS-67), indicating a superb level of preservation with original luster and minimal surface marks.