1951 (D) Washington-Carver Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$9,300 MS67 08-28-2022 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1951 (D) Washington-Carver Half Dollar is a commemorative half dollar struck at the Denver Mint. With a mintage of 10,004, this is a scarce commemorative issue. Authorized in 1951 as a successor to the Booker T. The obverse features conjoined busts of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver facing right, honoring two of America's most important African American figures, while the reverse displays a map of the United States superimposed with the inscription FREEDOM AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL and AMERICANISM. Designed by Isaac Scott Hathaway. The first year of issue, produced at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #9431. The Washington-Carver Half Dollar holds the distinction of being the last classic silver commemorative half dollar. Mintages were generally high, making it one of the more affordable entries in the series, but it represents an important milestone in African American representation on U.S. coinage.