Classic US commemoratives
The Classic U.S. commemorative coins were produced in 1892 and 1893. During this time, the U.S. made special silver coins for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This event was to celebrate 400 years since Christopher Columbus found the Americas. After that, the U.S. made many different commemorative coins for big events, anniversaries of important historical events, and celebrations of states and cities. But over time, people became less interested in these coins, and in 1954, the government stopped making them. It would be more than 25 years before the U.S. started making commemorative coins again.
Collect American commemorative coins
The classic US commemorative coins were issued in different materials like metal mixes, silver, and gold. They also make these coins in two styles: shiny and detailed (Proof) and regular looking (Uncirculated). There are lots of designs and topics for these coins, giving collectors many choices. Some people like to collect old (classic) or new (modern) commemorative coins. Others might only collect coins made of gold or silver. Then, there are collectors who pick their favorite designs because some designs are more popular than others. Some might collect coins based on a theme or coins that celebrate a specific time in history.
Rare commemorative half dollars are highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance, unique designs, and limited mintages. Here's a list of some of the most notable and rare commemorative half dollars issued by the United States:
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1892 and 1893 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar: The first commemorative coin issued by the U.S., celebrating the 400th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of America.
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1918 Illinois Centennial Half Dollar: Issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Illinois statehood, featuring a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.
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1921 Alabama Centennial Half Dollar: Notable for its depiction of Alabama's statehood centennial, with some issues featuring a 2x2 marking, making them particularly rare.
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1921 Missouri Centennial Half Dollar: Issued for the Missouri Centennial Exposition, with a version featuring a 2*4 marking on the obverse, which is rarer.
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1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar: One of the rarest in the series, minted to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Captain James Cook's landing in Hawaii.
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1935 Hudson, New York, Sesquicentennial Half Dollar: Celebrates the 150th anniversary of the founding of Hudson, New York, with a very low mintage making it highly sought after.
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1936 Elgin, Illinois, Centennial Half Dollar: Issued to commemorate the centennial of Elgin, Illinois, this coin has a relatively low mintage.
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1936 Cleveland Centennial and Great Lakes Exposition Half Dollar: Commemorates the centennial of Cleveland, Ohio, and the Great Lakes Exposition.
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1936-D Cincinnati Music Center Half Dollar: The Denver mint version is particularly sought after, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Cincinnati as a center of music.
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1937 Roanoke Colony Half Dollar: Commemorates the 350th anniversary of the Roanoke Colony, known for the "Lost Colony" of Roanoke.
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1938 New Rochelle, New York, Half Dollar: Issued to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the settlement of New Rochelle, New York, with a low mintage.
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1952 Washington-Carver Half Dollar: Marks the contributions of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver, with some later dates being more difficult to find.
These coins are not only valuable due to their rarity but also because they offer a glimpse into the historical events and figures they commemorate. Collectors often seek these pieces to add depth and historical context to their collections.
