Eric P. Newman Collection, Part IX

1936-S 50C Bay Bridge MS63 NGC. Up to 200,000 half dollars celebrating the opening of the Bay Bridge between Oakland and San Francisco were authorized for production, but only 100,000 coins were minted (plus another 55 pieces for assay). Ultimately, 71,424 examples of this popular issue were distributed. This sharp, attractive Select coin offers soft satin luster and a thin overlay of peach-gold and violet patina. Tiny ticks on the bear's legs are of little consequence. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15498, realized $264. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936-S 50C Bay Bridge MS63 NGC. Up to 200,000 half dollars celebrating the opening of the Bay Bridge between Oakland and San Francisco were authorized for production, but only 100,000 coins were minted (plus another 55 pieces for assay). Ultimately, 71,424 examples of this popular issue were distributed. This sharp, attractive Select coin offers soft satin luster and a thin overlay of peach-gold and violet patina. Tiny ticks on the bear's legs are of little consequence. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15498, realized $264. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936-D 50C Columbia -- Improperly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. Each branch of the United States mint struck 8,000 Columbia half dollars for inclusion in three-coin sets. An additional 1,000 pieces were struck at Philadelphia for individual sale. Small quantities of assay coins were also produced at each facility, including nine coins at the Colorado mint. Strike detail is bold on the two capitol buildings and the palmetto tree. Cleaning has muted the satiny luster on each side of this brilliant half dollar. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15497, realized $114. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936-D 50C Columbia -- Improperly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. Each branch of the United States mint struck 8,000 Columbia half dollars for inclusion in three-coin sets. An additional 1,000 pieces were struck at Philadelphia for individual sale. Small quantities of assay coins were also produced at each facility, including nine coins at the Colorado mint. Strike detail is bold on the two capitol buildings and the palmetto tree. Cleaning has muted the satiny luster on each side of this brilliant half dollar. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15497, realized $114. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936-D 50C Arkansas -- Improperly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. Issued in celebration of the state's centennial in 1936, Arkansas half dollars had a wide variance in production totals between 1935 and 1939. Distribution across all mints ranged from 13,012 coins for the 1935-P to 2,104 coins for the 1939-P and 1939-D. This particular issue claims a distribution of 9,660 pieces. The surfaces are mostly brilliant, and luster is partly subdued by the noted cleaning. A few obverse contact marks are seen. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15496, realized $74. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936 50C York MS65 NGC. A healthy proportion of the authorized production of York County Tercentenary coins were distributed. Up to 30,000 coins were officially sanctioned, and 25,000 pieces were acquired by dealers and collectors. An additional 15 coins were made for assay. This Gem is on a par with the typical survivor from this carefully handled issue. Brilliant mint frost and daubs of pale patina characterize each strongly struck side. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15495, realized $132. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936 50C York MS65 NGC. A healthy proportion of the authorized production of York County Tercentenary coins were distributed. Up to 30,000 coins were officially sanctioned, and 25,000 pieces were acquired by dealers and collectors. An additional 15 coins were made for assay. This Gem is on a par with the typical survivor from this carefully handled issue. Brilliant mint frost and daubs of pale patina characterize each strongly struck side. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15495, realized $132. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936 50C Wisconsin MS67 NGC. Wisconsin joined the Union in 1848, but a territorial government was established in 1836 -- an event commemorated 100 years later through the issuance of these half dollars. A badger is depicted on one side, and the state seal with forearm, pickaxe, and lump of lead ore appears on the other. Apparently, the badger-side was originally designated as the obverse, but some experts argue otherwise. This Superb Gem maintains brilliant, satiny centers with glints of golden-orange patina around the rims. Each side is essentially pristine. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15494, realized $312. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1936 50C Wisconsin MS67 NGC. Wisconsin joined the Union in 1848, but a territorial government was established in 1836 -- an event commemorated 100 years later through the issuance of these half dollars. A badger is depicted on one side, and the state seal with forearm, pickaxe, and lump of lead ore appears on the other. Apparently, the badger-side was originally designated as the obverse, but some experts argue otherwise. This Superb Gem maintains brilliant, satiny centers with glints of golden-orange patina around the rims. Each side is essentially pristine. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15494, realized $312. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

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.