1948-S 50c Booker T. Washington MS PL

Proof-like surfaces. The 1948 Booker T. Washington half dollar honors the famous author, social rights advocate, and presidential advisor. The 1948 BTW halves mark the third year of issue for this type designed by Isaac Scott Hathaway, the first African American to design -- U.S. coin. The half dollar, bearing the profound inscription FROM SLAVE CABIN TO HALL OF FAME, was struck at all three then-operating mints, including those in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

BTW half dollars are extremely common, and the vast majority are known in the grade range of MS62 to MS66. However, examples grading MS67 or higher are quite scarce due to overall flatness of the design and the tendency for the coin to receive visible bumps and bruises on the broad surfaces.

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.