1946 Booker T. Washington Commemorative Half Dollar Value Guide

The 1946 Booker T. Washington Commemorative Half Dollar is a landmark in numismatic history as the first United States coin to feature an African American. Designed by Isaac Scott Hathaway, it was authorized by Congress to fund the Booker T. Washington Birthplace Memorial in Virginia.

What Is 1946 Booker T. Washington Commemorative Half Dollar Worth?

The typical price range for 1946 Booker T. Washington Commemorative Half Dollar is $25 - $30 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of original mint luster significantly increases the value above the base $25-$30 range.
• Surface marks or 'bag marks' on the large cheek area of Washington's portrait can lower the grade.
• The specific mint mark (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco) affects rarity and collector demand.
• Overall strike sharpness, particularly on the log cabin details on the reverse, determines the final market price.

How to Identify 1946 Booker T. Washington Commemorative Half Dollar?

• Look for the bust of Booker T. Washington on the obverse and a dual-image reverse featuring a log cabin and the Hall of Fame.
• Verify the composition is 90% silver and 10% copper with a diameter of 30.6 millimeters.
• Check for the designer's initials 'ISH' located on the obverse near the shoulder of the bust.
• Confirm the date 1946 is clearly struck on the obverse below the portrait.

History of 1946 Booker T. Washington Commemorative Half Dollar

Authorized by Congress in 1946, this was the first United States coin to feature an African American. It was designed by Isaac Scott Hathaway to help fund the Booker T. Washington Birthplace Memorial in Virginia. The reverse famously depicts a log cabin and the Hall of Fame for Great Americans, symbolizing Washington's journey from slavery to education.