Buffalo Commemorative Dollor

Commem Designs Rated Best, Worst

The old commemorative half dollars of yesteryear, issued between 1892 and 1954 were an eclectic bunch of silver coins to say the least. These coins are all the same standard size as our half dollar today, all had the same weight and fineness and were legal tender. Just a handful of them ever ended up in circulation or were spent because they were originally sold at a premium to pay for historical celebrations or monuments. Therefore, many of them are found in uncirculated condition or better. Here, I am not going to talk about how the subjects of these half dollars were chosen. In this review, I am going to forgo mentioning where the legends, mottoes, inscriptions and dates are placed as most are very similar. What I am going to do is give a brief overview of the designs and critique the artistry of my favorite and least favorite sides of these old half dollars. I will list my top 10 favorites and the ten worst obverse or reverse designs.

Counting down the 10 best obverse or reverse designed coins of the old commemorative half dollars begins with the Pilgrim Tercentenary that was first issued in 1920 and was designed by Cyrus E. Dallin, a Boston sculptor. The reverse is a true winning design. It is dominated by a three-quarters view of the Mayflower sailing on rough seas. I love how the image of this ship fills most of the space, showing its mast, sails and detailed water. The ship is majestically displayed in wondrous detail. It is a masterpiece in my opinion and a great coin to look at and enjoy. Coming in at No. 9 on my favorites list is the reverse of the Grant Memorial. This half dollar coin was issued in 1922 for the centennial of Ulysses S. Grant’s birth and was designed by Laura Gardin Fraser. The reverse of this coin depicts a small frame cabin at Point Pleasant, Ohio, where Grant was born. The house is nestled under beautiful, tall protective trees. A split rail fence seems to surround the house. Almost the entire reverse is filled with this image and in my mind it is a true masterpiece. Like a tiny Norman Rockwell painting, you can’t help but study the detail and beauty of this coin. The fairly high relief plays into a nearly perfect design and creates even more depth. In the No. 8 spot for the best old commemorative half dollar is the Stone Mountain Memorial half dollar that was issued in 1925 to raise funds for a monument to honor Confederate soldiers and President Warren G. Harding.

Added two Modern Commemorative dollars - Coin Community Forum

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