½ Dollar Battle of Gettysburg
1936 year| Silver (.900) | 12.5 g | 30.6 mm |
| Issuer | United States |
|---|---|
| Period | Federal republic (1776-date) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 1936 |
| Value | ½ Dollar = 50 Cents (½ USD) |
| Currency | Dollar (1785-date) |
| Composition | Silver (.900) |
| Weight | 12.5 g |
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Thickness | 2 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#7945 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 71% |
Reverse
Union and Confederate shields separated by a fasces, a bundle of sticks bound together around a double-sided ax, with sprays of oak and laurel to each side.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
1863*75th.ANNIVERSARY*1938
·BATTLE·OF·GETTYSBURG
IN GOD WE TRUST
1936
·HALF·DOLLAR·
Engraver: Frank Vittor
Edge
Reeded
Comment
The 1936 Battle of Gettysburg Half Dollar was issued to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the pivotal battle of the American Civil War. The issue has become one of the more popular amongst the early commemorative coins.
Designed by Frank Vittor, the design for the coin is sometimes described as medallic in appearance. This effect is created by the outer ring containing inscriptions and the exaggerated basining of the fields.
Similar to the Delaware Half Dollar, the Gettysburg Half Dollar is associated with a somewhat confusing array of dates. The coins are issued to celebrate an anniversary that occurs in 1938, however, they were issued in 1937, and dated 1936.
The maximum authorized mintage for the Battle of Gettysburg Half Dollar was 50,000 pieces to be struck at a single mint. The entire number was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and distributed by the Pennsylvania State Commission at a price of $1.65 per coin. In 1938, an unsold quantity of coins was turned over to the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania, who sold the coins for $2.65 each. Eventually, an unsold quantity of 23,100 pieces was returned to the mint for melting.
This issue carries a premium due to its popularity, but it generally readily available. Pieces can be found in gem grades, although many coins will show contact marks on the highest points of the design, the soldier’s faces on the obverse, and the shields on the reverse. With some patience, a high-grade example with minimal distracting marks can be located.
Authorization: Public Law 74-91
Interesting fact
The Battle of Gettysburg half dollar was minted in 1936 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal battle fought during the American Civil War. It was designed by sculptor Charles Keck and features a depiction of a Union soldier on one side and a Confederate soldier on the other, symbolizing the reconciliation of the two sides. The coin was produced in a limited quantity of 25,000 pieces and was sold at a premium price to collectors, with the proceeds going towards the preservation of the Gettysburg National Military Park.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | 26928 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for ½ Dollar (Battle of Gettysburg) 1936 coin.
