1937 Antietam Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$26,450 MS68 09-01-2003 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1937 Antietam Half Dollar is a commemorative half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint. With a mintage of 18,028, this is a scarce commemorative issue. Issued in 1937 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg), the bloodiest single day in American history. The obverse features conjoined busts of Generals Robert E. Lee (Confederate) and George McClellan (Union), the commanding officers at the Battle of Antietam, while the reverse displays Burnside Bridge, the stone bridge over Antietam Creek that was the site of fierce fighting during the battle, with the dates SEPTEMBER 17 1862. Designed by William Marks Simpson. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #9229. With a mintage of 18,028, the Antietam Half Dollar is a moderately scarce single-year issue. It is highly popular with Civil War collectors and is considered one of the finest designs in the classic commemorative series, with Burnside Bridge remaining an iconic battlefield landmark.