Numismatic

1949-S Booker T. Washington Half Dollar MS-65 PCGS

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This 1949 silver half dollar represents a fascinating mid-century commemorative issue from the United States. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin bears the "S" mint mark, indicating its West Coast origin. With a purity of 0.900 silver and containing 0.3617 troy ounces of precious metal, the coin is a substantial piece of American numismatic history. This particular specimen has been certified in Mint State 65 (MS-65), showing that it has survived the decades in an exceptional state of preservation. The coin's design honors the life and legacy of Booker T. Washington. The inscriptions on the surface detail his journey, noting his birthplace in Franklin County, Virginia, and referencing a slave cabin, contrasting with his eventual place in the Hall of Fame. Legible legends on the coin include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "HALF DOLLAR," and the faith-based motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," alongside "LIBERTY" and the name of the honoree himself. With a tiny mintage of only 6,004 pieces, this low-production issue from 1949 is a compelling subject for anyone interested in the artistry and stories captured on United States coinage.