Numismatic

1986-D Statue of Liberty 1/2 Dollar Clad Commem BU (Coin Only)

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In 1986, the United States Mint released a special fifty cent piece to mark one hundred years of the Statue of Liberty, a monumental gift sent from France to America. This release marked a technological milestone for the nation's coinage, representing the very first time a commemorative half dollar was produced using a clad composition. This specific coin features a outer layer of copper and nickel bonded securely to a core of pure copper. The visual narrative of the coin captures the poignant journey of millions who sought a new life. On the front, designed by Edgar Z. Steever, the Statue of Liberty stands tall in the foreground while an immigrant ship makes its way into the bustling waters of New York Harbor. The words LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the dual dates are clearly visible. On the back, designed by Sherl Winter, the focus shifts to the human experience of arrival. A family of immigrants is shown standing together on a dock, looking out toward their destination at Ellis Island. This side bears the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, HALF DOLLAR, and the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. Struck at the Denver Mint, this brilliant uncirculated coin remains a fascinating study in both modern manufacturing and historical commemoration.