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.

1936 50C Delaware MS65 NGC. Swedish colonists arrived at what is now Wilmington, Delaware, in 1638. This issue celebrates the tercentenary of their landing, although it was produced two years before the proper anniversary. In all, 20,000 coins were sold. Survivors are generally available in Gem and Premium Gem condition. Splashes of golden-russet color around minimally toned centers and slightly frosted luster characterize each side. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15487, realized $216. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936 50C Delaware MS65 NGC. Swedish colonists arrived at what is now Wilmington, Delaware, in 1638. This issue celebrates the tercentenary of their landing, although it was produced two years before the proper anniversary. In all, 20,000 coins were sold. Survivors are generally available in Gem and Premium Gem condition. Splashes of golden-russet color around minimally toned centers and slightly frosted luster characterize each side. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15487, realized $216. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936 50C Cleveland MS65 NGC. A total of 50,000 coins were distributed to collectors (30 more were struck for assay purposes). Those that survive are apt to grade fractionally better than MS64. The population declines markedly in grades higher MS65. Both sides of this Gem display light golden patina with underlying brilliance more prominent on the reverse. Frosty with a single reeding mark of note on Moses Cleaveland's forehead. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15486, realized $109. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936 50C Bridgeport MS66 NGC. The Art Deco eagle on the reverse of the Bridgeport half dollar is remarkably similar to that of the Connecticut Tercentenary half dollar of 1935, also designed by Henry Kreis. Only 25,000 pieces were sold to the public -- the minimum number authorized for production. Minimal chatter occurs over the most exposed areas, explaining the impressive Premium Gem assessment. Daubs of gold patina encircle brilliant centers. Locating a finer example will require patience. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15485, realized $216. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936 50C Bridgeport MS66 NGC. The Art Deco eagle on the reverse of the Bridgeport half dollar is remarkably similar to that of the Connecticut Tercentenary half dollar of 1935, also designed by Henry Kreis. Only 25,000 pieces were sold to the public -- the minimum number authorized for production. Minimal chatter occurs over the most exposed areas, explaining the impressive Premium Gem assessment. Daubs of gold patina encircle brilliant centers. Locating a finer example will require patience. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15485, realized $216. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936 50C Boone -- Improperly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. The bicentennial of the birth of fabled American pioneer Daniel Boone was celebrated through the issuance of commemorative half dollars. Boone was born in 1734, so 1934 represents the actual anniversary, but production continued through 1938. Coins struck from 1935 through the final year of the series feature "1934 / PIONEER YEAR" in the right reverse field. Satiny silver surfaces are moderately subdued. However, the cleaning is not overly distracting. The strike is strong, and scattered ticks are mostly visible on Boone's portrait. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15484, realized $85. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936 50C Albany MS66 NGC. The Albany commemorative half dollar had an authorized distribution of up to 25,000 coins plus 13 pieces for assay purposes. The issue's strictly local historical significance, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the city's charter, and its price tag of $2, inhibited strong sales. Ultimately, 17,671 Albany halves were distributed. The strike is razor-sharp throughout mainly brilliant surfaces awash in softly glowing satin luster. Areas of translucent golden patina confirm the originality of this Premium Gem. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15483, realized $252. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936 50C Albany MS66 NGC. The Albany commemorative half dollar had an authorized distribution of up to 25,000 coins plus 13 pieces for assay purposes. The issue's strictly local historical significance, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the city's charter, and its price tag of $2, inhibited strong sales. Ultimately, 17,671 Albany halves were distributed. The strike is razor-sharp throughout mainly brilliant surfaces awash in softly glowing satin luster. Areas of translucent golden patina confirm the originality of this Premium Gem. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15483, realized $252. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1935-S 50C Texas -- Improperly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. Walter Breen, Anthony Swiatek, and others have criticized the Texas Centennial half dollar design for being jumbled, but Cornelius Vermeule differed in his opinion: "Coppini's commemorative half dollar is the classic triumph of how much can be successfully crowded on a coin. This coin has one of the greatest of the designs in the commemorative series, by an artist not otherwise widely associated with coins or even medals." Each side of this mint example is bright and untoned with muted luster from cleaning. All facets of the intricate design are sharply rendered. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15482, realized $120. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.