Numismatic

1949 Booker T. Washington Half MS-65 PCGS

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This mid-century silver half dollar, struck in 1949, serves as a striking tribute to the life and legacy of Booker T. Washington. Designed by Isaac Scott Hathaway, the coin contains 0.3617 troy ounces of silver and is preserved in a certified Mint State 65 condition. Its artistic details offer a visual narrative of a historic journey from humble beginnings to national recognition. The front of the coin features a detailed portrait of Booker T. Washington looking toward the right. Surrounding his likeness are the inscriptions identifying him, alongside the classic American mottos "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "LIBERTY". The year 1949 is also clearly visible on this side, marking its place in post-war American coinage. On the reverse, the coin illustrates Washington's early life by depicting the log cabin where he was born in Franklin County, Virginia. This image is paired with the inspiring phrase "FROM SLAVE CABIN TO HALL OF FAME", capturing his monumental path through life. The Booker T. Washington Memorial Birthplace, located in Rocky Mount, Virginia, originally handled the distribution of these commemorative pieces, which continue to captivate those who appreciate American history and design.