Classic Coins - Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar Coin

As part of the festivities planned for 1926, Congress approved the Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Characteristics - size, weight, metal content, value range
Obverse - picture, description, artist
Reverse - picture, description, artist
Commentary - coin notes, mintage information, historical comments, fun facts

On March 3, 1925, the 68th Congress approved a Public Resolution (68-62). In summary, it stated, "Joint Resolution Providing for the cooperation of the United States in the sesquicentennial exhibition commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and for other purposes."

The plans included holding "an international exhibition in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1926, in celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence."

Section 4 of the resolution included, "In commemoration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence there shall be coined at the mints of the United States gold $2.50 pieces to the number of not more than two hundred thousand and silver 50-cent pieces to the number of not more than one million, such coins to be of the standard troy weight, composition, diameter, device, and design as shall be fixed by the Director of the Mint, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, and such coins shall be legal tender in any payment to the amount of their face value."

The resolution included the Proviso: "That the United States shall not be subject to the expense of making the necessary dies and other preparations for this coinage."

For distribution, the resolution stated, "The coins authorized by this section shall be issued only to the authorized officers of the Sesquicentennial Exhibition Association, and in such numbers and at such times as they shall request, upon payment by such officers, for and on behalf of such association, of the par value of such coins."

Characteristics - Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar Coin

Metal Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Diameter - millimeters: 30.6
Diameter - inches: 1.2
Weight - grams: 12.5
Weight - troy ounce: 0.401884332
Silver content weight - troy ounce: 0.3617
Mint Locations: Philadelphia
Years Minted: 1926

The coin's silver content alone makes it more valuable than its face value of $0.50.

But, the coin's age, its condition and its desirability make it even more valuable as a collectible.

The coin's estimated value ranges from $48 (low grade - XF) to $25,000 (high grade - MS-66).

Extraordinary characteristics on the Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar can command a price outside the estimated value range. 

Obverse - Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar Coin

The obverse or front of this contains portraits of Calvin Coolidge and George Washington.

This coin was the first produced by the US Mint with a US President living at the time of production in the design.

The coinage inscriptions include Liberty, United States of America, and In God We Trust.

Artist: John R. Sinnock

Reverse - Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar Coin

The reverse or back of the coin shows the iconic Liberty Bell with its recognizable crack, large wooden yoke and various notations on the bell.

The coinage inscriptions show Sesquicentennial of American Independence, 1776 1926, E Pluribus Unum, and Half Dollar.

Artist: John R. Sinnock

Commentary - Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar Coin

Though the stated mintage limit was 1,000,000, records show just over 141,000 of the coins were distributed.

The coin pictured above resides in a PCGS holder and is graded as an MS-62. (PCGS is Professional Coin Grading Service.)

Versions of the coin also exist in higher grades such as an MS-66 grade.

The production dies used for these coins had such low relief that the coin's obverse and reverse designs did not retain as much detail in comparison to other coins of this era.

That also helps explain why there is such a difference in value from the lower grade to the higher grade coins.

The Liberty Bell design was modified and re-used on the reverse of the Franklin half dollar coin - seen here in the Franklin half dollar's last year in a proof set. 

The Liberty Bell rang on July 8, 1776 announcing the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The bell rang on Independence Day, George Washington's birthday and election day for many years.

After being rung on George Washington's birthday in 1846, the bell has not rung again.

A foundry in England cast the first State House bell later called the Liberty Bell. The first test ring struck, and the bell cracked. The ship's captain could not take the bell back to England to be fixed.

Pass and Stow of Philadelphia offered to recast the bell. They melted the first bell and made a second. When the second bell was first struck, the sound was so horrible, they re-worked the bell into a third version.

In 1926, the sesquicentennial international celebration in Philadelphia formally opened in May.

President Coolidge officially opened the celebration in July in celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Though the Liberty Bell had traveled many times to locations around the country, but it stopped traveling in 1915, ten years before the sesquicentennial celebration.

Visit our GACS Numismatic Shoppe Sesquicentennial of American Independence for a variety of useful items decorated with images of the classic commemorative silver half dollar coin.