1936 50C Robinson -- Improperly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. The Robinson-Arkansas half dollar celebrating the state's centennial was authorized in 1936 and was intended to sell better than earlier Arkansas commemoratives. However, like their unpopular counterparts, these halves also languished in dealers' inventories. As a result, examples are widely obtainable in mint condition. This is a razor-sharp example with frosty, untoned surfaces. Signs of cleaning are minimally distracting and ticks are noted on the profile. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15493, realized $84. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1936 50C Norfolk MS66 NGC. Distribution of the authorized 25,000 Norfolk bicentennial half dollars began on August 15, 1937 -- a year past the anniversary. Promotional material suggested potential buyers act quickly, claiming subscription rates were high. Such was not the case, however. Only 16,936 pieces were actually distributed. A light dusting of pale patina around the edges frames brilliant centers that radiate considerable frost. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15492, realized $240. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1936 50C Norfolk MS66 NGC. Distribution of the authorized 25,000 Norfolk bicentennial half dollars began on August 15, 1937 -- a year past the anniversary. Promotional material suggested potential buyers act quickly, claiming subscription rates were high. Such was not the case, however. Only 16,936 pieces were actually distributed. A light dusting of pale patina around the edges frames brilliant centers that radiate considerable frost. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15492, realized $240. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1936 50C Lynchburg -- Improperly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. Artist Charles Keck, previously responsible for the 1915-S Panama-Pacific gold dollar and the 1927 Vermont half dollar, was chosen to produce designs for a new half dollar celebrating the sesquicentennial of Lynchburg, Virginia's charter. In the absence of an image of John Lynch, for whom the town was named, a profile of Virginia politician and local resident Carter Glass was used. The noted cleaning fails to detract from surfaces that have lightly retoned. Well-struck and with scattered ticks and flecks. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15491, realized $168. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1936 50C Lynchburg -- Improperly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. Artist Charles Keck, previously responsible for the 1915-S Panama-Pacific gold dollar and the 1927 Vermont half dollar, was chosen to produce designs for a new half dollar celebrating the sesquicentennial of Lynchburg, Virginia's charter. In the absence of an image of John Lynch, for whom the town was named, a profile of Virginia politician and local resident Carter Glass was used. The noted cleaning fails to detract from surfaces that have lightly retoned. Well-struck and with scattered ticks and flecks. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15491, realized $168. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1936 50C Long Island MS64 NGC. B. Max Mehl criticized the Long Island Tercentenary half dollar design for its unidentifiable portraits and poorly modeled sailing ship. In reality, the portraits are supposed to represent a Dutch settler and an Algonquian Native American. Howard K. Weinman, son of Adolph A. Weinman (known for his "Walking Liberty" image), was responsible for the design. Frosty luster emanates from each side, showing an attractive overlay of original golden color. Marks are apparently limited to the ship's sails. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15490, realized $79. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1936 50C Long Island MS64 NGC. B. Max Mehl criticized the Long Island Tercentenary half dollar design for its unidentifiable portraits and poorly modeled sailing ship. In reality, the portraits are supposed to represent a Dutch settler and an Algonquian Native American. Howard K. Weinman, son of Adolph A. Weinman (known for his "Walking Liberty" image), was responsible for the design. Frosty luster emanates from each side, showing an attractive overlay of original golden color. Marks are apparently limited to the ship's sails. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15490, realized $79. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1936 50C Gettysburg MS64 NGC. CAC. Struck to observe the 75th anniversary of Battle of Gettysburg, but dated two years prior to reflect the authorization date of June 16, 1936. The obverse shows two uniformed profile portraits of soldiers, one Union and the other Confederate. The shields of each flank the fasces on the reverse. Frosty luster blends with light gold toning throughout this attractive Choice representative. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15489, realized $528. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1936 50C Gettysburg MS64 NGC. CAC. Struck to observe the 75th anniversary of Battle of Gettysburg, but dated two years prior to reflect the authorization date of June 16, 1936. The obverse shows two uniformed profile portraits of soldiers, one Union and the other Confederate. The shields of each flank the fasces on the reverse. Frosty luster blends with light gold toning throughout this attractive Choice representative. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15489, realized $528. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1936 50C Elgin MS66 NGC. A pale golden cast graces this delightful Premium Gem half dollar, celebrating the centennial of Elgin, Illinois, with a Pioneer theme. Satiny luster percolates through the toning, delivering a degree of eye-appeal that should appeal to those who appreciate originality. The issue was apparently well-saved by collectors. Examples are frequently available in MS66, though finer coins are very scarce. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15488, realized $180. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.