Maine's history stretches back to 1604 with early French settlements, but it officially became the 23rd state on March 15, 1820. A century later, Maine Representative John Peters initiated the creation of a commemorative coin. Congress quickly approved the mintage of up to 100,000 Maine Centennial half dollars on May 10, 1920, earmarking the sales revenue for Portland's centennial celebrations. The resulting coin's designs are considered uninspired, with public critique lamenting that both sides look like reverse designs.
The obverse features the Maine state seal: a shield with a moose and pine tree, flanked by a farmer and sailor, the Latin motto "DIRIGO" (I direct) and a star above, and "MAINE" below. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "HALF DOLLAR" encircle the design. The reverse showcases a pine branch wreath enclosing "MAINE CENTENNIAL 1820-1920," with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and "LIBERTY" above, and "IN GOD WE TRUST" below. The Philadelphia Mint produced 50,028 coins in late summer 1920, but they unfortunately arrived after Portland's festivities. Roughly half were sold by the State Treasurer by year's end. No additional coins were minted, and the entire mintage was distributed by 1929. Despite its underwhelming design and delayed arrival, the Maine Centennial half dollar program was notably free of the controversies that affected other commemorative coins. Each 1920 Maine Centennial Commemorative Half Dollar that we are offering is in collector's quality almost uncirculated condition (approximately AU-58). This is a unique and controversial silver rarity that makes the perfect addition to any numismatic collection!
Highlights:
- 90% Silver half dollar
- Special commemorative issue
- Almost Uncirculated condition
