1946-S 50c Booker T. Washington MS PL

Proof-like surfaces. Booker T. Washington half dollars were struck for six years, with the first minted in 1946 and the last in 1951. The BTW half dollar was an interesting issue for -- critical time on the American civil rights scene. The coin, honoring the renowned author and presidential advisor, was designed by Isaac Scott Hathaway, the first African American to ever design -- U.S. coin. It was issued to help raise funds for the construction of memorials to the memory of Washington, who lived from 1856 through 1915. The coin bears the powerful inscription FROM SLAVE CABIN TO HALL OF FAME.

The Booker T. Washington half dollar was struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints and is extremely common in Mint State grades, though they are rare in grades of MS67 or higher. This is attributed to the flatness of the design, which lends for more evident marks and surface detractions.

Obverse Description

The obverse bears the portrait of the honored figure framed by the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and BOOKER T. WASHINGTON. To the left of the portrait is the date and words HALF DOLLAR. To the right of the portrait is the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.

Reverse Description

The reverse bears BTW's memorial building centered at the top. Many words appear on the reverse including: BOOKER T. WASHINGTON BIRTHPLACE MEMORIAL * LIBERTY, around the periphery. FROM SLAVE CABIN TO HALL OF FAME appears below the memorial. IN GOD WE TRUST * FRANKLIN COUNTY, VA appear directly below flanking the likeness of the slave cabin.