1947-S 50c Booker T. Washington MS PL

Proof-like surfaces. The 1947 Booker T. Washington halves mark the second year of issue for this long-running commemorative type that continued until 1951. The issuance of the Booker T. Washington half dollar came at an important time for the civil rights scene, when the battle to end segregation was building steam just after the end of the World War II. The Booker T. Washington half dollar was designed by Isaac Scott Hathaway, -- noted African American artist and the first black person to design -- U.S. commemorative coin.

BTW half dollars were struck at all three of the-then operating mints in the United States, including those at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. All of the BTW half dollars are common, even in uncirculated grade -- in fact, most are known in the grades of MS62 to MS65. Examples grading MS67 are rare, -- fact perhaps not surprising given how flat the coin's overall design is.

Obverse Description

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 Description

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.