The Booker T. Washington half dollar is an important coin in U.S. history. Minted from 1946 to 1951, it was not only the first commemorative coin honoring a Black person but also the first designed by a Black artist. This coin is a significant part of the numismatic world and represents a moment in time when America was beginning to acknowledge its diverse history.
What is the Booker T. Washington Half Dollar?
The Booker T. Washington half dollar is a silver coin that was struck at all three U.S. mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. It was made from 90% pure silver and has a diameter of 30.6 mm. Each coin weighs 12.5 grams and contains about 0.36169 troy ounces of silver. The coin features a design that commemorates the life and legacy of Booker T. Washington, a key figure in American history.
Design Features of the Coin
Obverse Design
The front (obverse) of the Booker T. Washington half dollar shows a profile of Washington based on a life mask of him. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are at the top, while “BOOKER T. WASHINGTON” is at the bottom. The coin also includes the denomination, “HALF DOLLAR,” and the date it was minted.
Reverse Design
The back (reverse) of the coin features the phrase “FROM SLAVE CABIN TO HALL OF FAME” in the center. Above this, you can see the Hall of Fame for Great Americans located in The Bronx, New York. Below, there is an image of the slave cabin where Washington was born. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “FRANKLIN COUNTY VA” are on either side of the cabin, with “LIBERTY” inscribed below it.
The Mintage and Value of the Coin
Mintage and Values for Philadelphia Mint Coins
| Date | VF-25 | XF-45 | AU-55 | MS-62 | MS-63 | MS-65 | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1946 | $16 | $16 | $18 | $26 | $27 | $55 | 1,000,546 |
| 1947 | $16 | $16 | $18 | $26 | $44 | $85 | 100,017 |
| 1948 | $16 | $20 | $22 | $28 | $40 | $80 | 8,005 |
| 1949 | $16 | $34 | $37 | $55 | $90 | $140 | 6,004 |
| 1950 | $16 | $25 | $28 | $40 | $65 | $140 | 6,004 |
| 1951 | $16 | $16 | $18 | $26 | $27 | $55 | 51,082 |
Mintage and Values for Denver Mint Coins
| Date | VF-25 | XF-45 | AU-55 | MS-62 | MS-63 | MS-65 | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1946-D | $16 | $16 | $18 | $26 | $27 | $75 | 200,113 |
| 1947-D | $16 | $16 | $18 | $26 | $30 | $85 | 100,017 |
| 1948-D | $16 | $20 | $22 | $32 | $40 | $100 | 8,005 |
| 1949-D | $16 | $35 | $40 | $65 | $100 | $135 | 6,004 |
| 1950-D | $16 | $22 | $25 | $52 | $72 | $135 | 6,004 |
| 1951-D | $16 | $34 | $40 | $50 | $60 | $90 | 7,004 |
Mintage and Values for San Francisco Mint Coins
| Date | VF-25 | XF-45 | AU-55 | MS-62 | MS-63 | MS-65 | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1946-S | $16 | $16 | $18 | $26 | $27 | $60 | 500,729 |
| 1947-S | $16 | $16 | $18 | $26 | $52 | $85 | 100,117 |
| 1948-S | $16 | $20 | $22 | $34 | $60 | $110 | 8,005 |
| 1949-S | $16 | $34 | $40 | $60 | $80 | $135 | 6,004 |
| 1950-S | $16 | $16 | $18 | $26 | $27 | $55 | 512,091 |
| 1951-S | $16 | $32 | $38 | $44 | $50 | $130 | 7,004 |
Total Mintage
Grand Total Mintage: 2,632,755
The History Behind the Coin
The idea to create a Booker T. Washington half dollar began in 1945. The Booker T. Washington Birthplace Memorial Committee wanted to raise funds to buy and preserve the cabin where Washington was born. The law allowed for up to 5 million coins to be made, but only about half that number was ever produced.
Sculptor Charles Keck was initially chosen to design the coin, but a Black artist named Isaac Scott Hathaway offered his design for free. Hathaway’s design was selected and became the face of the coin.
Public Reception of the Coin
The Booker T. Washington half dollar did not receive the warm welcome its creators had hoped for. Interest in the coin was low after the first year. Although the first year saw over 1.7 million coins minted, the numbers fell dramatically in subsequent years. Many collectors lost interest, partly because Washington was less well-known compared to previous commemorative subjects.
By the end of its production, almost 1.6 million of the coins had been returned or melted down. Many collectors simply grew tired of the ongoing series of commemorative coins.
Conclusion
The Booker T. Washington half dollar is more than just a coin; it represents a significant moment in American history. Despite its initial promise, it struggled to gain lasting popularity. Today, it stands as a reminder of Booker T. Washington’s contributions and the ongoing journey toward recognizing and honoring diverse figures in American history. Understanding the Booker T. Washington half dollar gives us insight into the complexities of numismatics and the importance of representation in our currency.
FAQ’s
What is the Booker T. Washington half dollar?
The Booker T. Washington half dollar is a commemorative coin issued by the United States from 1946 to 1951. It honors the African American educator and leader Booker T. Washington, and it was the first U.S. coin designed by a Black artist.
Why was the Booker T. Washington half dollar created?
The coin was proposed to raise funds for the preservation of the cabin where Washington was born. The Booker T. Washington Birthplace Memorial Committee aimed to promote awareness of his legacy and achievements through this commemorative coin.
How many Booker T. Washington half dollars were minted?
A total of 2,632,755 Booker T. Washington half dollars were minted across three different U.S. mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. However, many of these coins were returned and melted down due to lack of interest.
What are the key features of the Booker T. Washington half dollar?
The obverse features a profile of Booker T. Washington, while the reverse displays the inscription “FROM SLAVE CABIN TO HALL OF FAME” alongside images representing his birth cabin and the Hall of Fame for Great Americans. The coin is made of 90% silver.
What factors contributed to the low interest in the Booker T. Washington half dollar?
Interest in the coin declined due to several factors, including a lack of public awareness of Washington compared to other commemorative subjects, poor strike quality, and general fatigue among collectors regarding commemorative coins during that era.