1920 50C Maine NGC MS64

Coin Highlights

• Issuer: United States of America

• Date: 1920

• Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)

• Denomination: 50 Cents (Half Dollar)

• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

• Weight: 12.5 g

• Diameter: 30.6 mm

• Grade: NGC MS64 (Choice Mint State)

• Obverse Design: State coat of arms of Maine, featuring a moose beneath a pine tree, flanked by a farmer and a sailor with MAINE above and 1820–1920 below.

• Reverse Design: Bold wreath encircling UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and denomination HALF DOLLAR.

• Edge: Reeded

Historical Significance

• Authorized by Congress in 1920, this half dollar commemorated Maine’s centennial of statehood.

• With a mintage of 50,028 coins, it stands as one of the earliest issues in the U.S. commemorative coin series (1892–1954).

• The design, symbolic of Maine’s heritage, was created by Anthony de Francisci, later known for his iconic Peace Dollar design.

Collectibility

• With just over 50,000 struck, the Maine half dollar is a scarce early commemorative.

• In MS64, this coin offers sharp detail, satiny luster, and only minor marks, making it an excellent choice for advanced commemorative collectors.

• Early commemoratives like this are highly desirable for their historical themes, artistry, and relatively low mintages compared to modern commemoratives.