½ Dollar (Sesquicentennial of American Independence) 1926 front ½ Dollar (Sesquicentennial of American Independence) 1926 back
½ Dollar (Sesquicentennial of American Independence) 1926 photo
© PCGS

½ Dollar Sesquicentennial of American Independence

1926 year
Silver (.900) 12.5 g 30.61 mm
Description
Issuer
United States
Period
Federal republic (1776-date)
Type
Non-circulating coin
Year
1926
Value
½ Dollar = 50 Cents (½&nbspUSD)
Currency
Dollar (1785-date)
Composition
Silver (.900)
Weight
12.5 g
Diameter
30.61 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Coin alignment ↑↓
Updated
2024-10-09
References
Numista
N#37692
Rarity index
35%

Reverse

Liberty Bell

Script: Latin

Lettering:
SESQUICENTENNIAL·OF·AMERICAN·INDEPENDENCE
E·PLURIBUS·UNUM
1776 1926
·HALF·DOLLAR·

Engraver: John R. Sinnock

Edge

Reeded

Comment

The 1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar is most often noted for its low relief design, which gives the coins somewhat of an unattractive appearance. This was one of two commemorative coins issued for the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Sesquicentennial Half Dollars were authorized in a quantity of up to one million coins. In anticipation of widespread demand the entire amount was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The coins were offered for sale at $1 each and ultimately only sold 141,120 pieces. The remaining amount was melted. Ironically, the initial unpopularity of the design which led to low sales, now makes this one of the more valuable commemorative coins due to the low resulting mintage.

Interesting fact

The Sesquicentennial of American Independence half dollar, minted in 1926, features a unique design that sets it apart from other coins. The obverse (front) side of the coin depicts a portrait of Liberty, modeled after a famous statue in New York Harbor, while the reverse (back) side features an eagle perched atop a shield, surrounded by 13 stars and an olive branch. This design was created by sculptor and medalist, John R. Sinnock, and was meant to symbolize the ideals of freedom and independence that the United States represents.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
1926  1000528 - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for ½ Dollar (Sesquicentennial of American Independence) 1926 coin.