{"product_id":"us-sesquicentennia-half-dollar-1926-regular-strike-ungraded-ms63","title":"US SESQUICENTENNIAL HALF DOLLAR 1926 (Regular Strike) ungraded MS63","description":"This **1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar** is a significant piece of early 20th-century commemorative history, struck to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Though currently **ungraded**, this specimen displays the technical characteristics of a **Choice Uncirculated MS63** coin. It serves as a striking tribute to the American spirit, featuring a unique dual-portrait design that was a departure from standard coinage of the era.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Historical Context\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAuthorized by Congress in 1925, these half dollars were minted in Philadelphia and sold for **$1.00** at the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The design was a collaboration between **John R. Sinnock**, the Chief Engraver of the Mint, and famed medalist **John Frederick Lewis**. Despite a maximum authorized mintage of one million, only about **141,000** were actually distributed, with the remainder being melted down. This makes surviving uncirculated examples like this one particularly valuable to researchers of the U.S. commemorative series.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Design Artistry\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe obverse is historically unique, featuring the jugate (overlapping) busts of **George Washington**, the first President, and **Calvin Coolidge**, the President at the time of the anniversary. Coolidge is notably the only President to appear on a U.S. coin during his lifetime. The reverse depicts the **Liberty Bell**, a symbol synonymous with Philadelphia. This specific reverse design served as the precursor to Sinnock’s later work on the Franklin Half Dollar in 1948.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Technical Grade (MS63)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn its MS63 state, this coin retains full **mint luster**, typically exhibiting the soft, satiny sheen common to this issue. The strike on \"Sesqui\" halves is notoriously shallow; however, at the MS63 level, the details in the hair of both Presidents and the inscriptions on the Liberty Bell remain clearly visible. While minor contact marks or \"scuffing\" may be present in the open fields—common for coins kept in original commemorative packaging—the overall eye appeal remains high, showcasing the artistry of the 1920s Philadelphia Mint.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Collector Appeal\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor the numismatist, the 1926 Sesquicentennial Half Dollar is an essential \"type\" coin. It captures a specific moment of American patriotism and the evolution of U.S. Mint engraving. A Choice Uncirculated example represents a well-preserved link to the grand 1926 exposition, offering both historical depth and the aesthetic beauty sought by collectors of the silver commemorative era.","brand":"ANDRE ART","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45080457445576,"sku":"080-00563","price":187.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0661\/9902\/7912\/files\/70d60a3d88f2feb98f652c6864cfae02.jpg?v=1779645214","url":"https:\/\/oceancityjewelers.com\/products\/us-sesquicentennia-half-dollar-1926-regular-strike-ungraded-ms63","provider":"Ocean City Jewelers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}