Whitman Expo
1948-S Booker T. Washington Half dollar MS PL Values
Details
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: 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: 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.
Basic Information
GSID:
198240
Coin Date:
1948-S
Denomination:
50c / Half dollar
Designation:
MS
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mintage:
8,005
Coinage Type:
Classic Commemorative
Coinage Years:
1946-1951
Composition:
90% silver; 10% copper
Mint Mark:
S
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Booker T. Washington
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
12.5 gr
Weight:
0.475 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.3617 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
30.6 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
Isaac Scott Hathaway
Obverse Designer:
Isaac Scott Hathaway
Reverse Designer:
Isaac Scott Hathaway
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