1953 Carver/Washington Commemorative Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1953 Carver/Washington Commemorative Half Dollar is a United States commemorative half dollar. Authorized in 1951 as a successor to the Booker T. Washington Half Dollar, this coin honors both Washington and George Washington Carver, the pioneering agricultural scientist at Tuskegee Institute. Carver's research into peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other crops helped transform Southern agriculture. The coin was produced from 1951 through 1954, becoming the final issue of the classic commemorative era. The obverse features conjoined busts of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver facing right, 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 net mintage was 8,003 each at Philadelphia and Denver and 108,020 at San Francisco. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. The Washington-Carver Half Dollar holds the distinction of being the last classic silver commemorative half dollar.