The Booker T. Washington half dollar is a special coin in American history. Minted from 1946 to 1951, it was the first U.S. commemorative coin to honor a Black person and was also designed by a Black artist. This coin celebrates the life of Booker T. Washington, an important figure who was born into slavery. Let’s dive into the details of this unique coin, its designs, values, and its place in coin collecting.
The Basics of the Booker T. Washington Half Dollar
The Booker T. Washington silver half dollar is 30.6 mm wide and weighs 12.5 grams. It is made of .900 fine silver, meaning it’s 90% pure silver. This allows it to have a similar look and feel to other circulating half dollars of the time. Due to its production quality, many of these coins were released into circulation when initial sales were slow.
Mintage and Values by Year
The value of the Booker T. Washington half dollar can vary significantly based on the year it was minted and its condition. Below is a summary of the values for different grades across three mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
Philadelphia Mint Values
| Year | 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 |
Denver Mint Values
| Year | 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 |
San Francisco Mint Values
| Year | 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 and Collectibility
In total, 2,632,755 Booker T. Washington half dollars were minted. However, many of these coins were not kept; nearly 1.6 million were returned or melted down due to a lack of interest. This makes the coins that are still in circulation or kept in good condition quite valuable to collectors.
Designs of the Coin
Front (Obverse) Design
The front of the coin features a profile of Booker T. Washington. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are at the top, while “BOOKER T. WASHINGTON” is at the bottom. The denomination “HALF DOLLAR” is on the left side, and the year is just above it.
Back (Reverse) Design
The back of the coin has the phrase “FROM SLAVE CABIN TO HALL OF FAME.” This emphasizes Washington’s journey from his humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated figure. There’s also an image of the Hall of Fame in New York and a representation of the slave cabin where he was born.
The Story Behind the Coin
The idea for the Booker T. Washington half dollar came in 1945 when a committee wanted to raise money to preserve Washington’s birthplace. The law allowed for 5 million coins to be made, but it took years to produce only about half that number.
The Artist Behind the Design
While the initial designer was Charles Keck, a Black artist named Isaac Scott Hathaway offered his design for free. His design was chosen, and it became the first U.S. coin designed by a Black person, marking an important moment in U.S. history.
Conclusion
The Booker T. Washington half dollar is more than just a coin; it’s a symbol of progress and history. Despite its initial unpopularity and low interest from collectors, this coin represents an important chapter in American history, honoring the legacy of a great leader. Collecting these coins today can be a fascinating hobby, allowing people to connect with the past. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply love coins, the Booker T. Washington half dollar is a remarkable piece worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Booker T. Washington half dollar?
The Booker T. Washington half dollar is a commemorative coin minted by the United States from 1946 to 1951. It was the first U.S. coin to honor a Black person and was also designed by a Black artist, Isaac Scott Hathaway.
2. Why was the Booker T. Washington half dollar created?
The coin was created to raise funds for the preservation of the cabin where Booker T. Washington was born into slavery. The initiative was proposed by the Booker T. Washington Birthplace Memorial Committee in 1945.
3. How much is the Booker T. Washington half dollar worth?
The value of the Booker T. Washington half dollar varies based on its condition and year of minting. Prices can range from around $16 for lower-grade coins to over $140 for those in excellent condition.