Booker T. Washington Silver Half Dollar Value Guide

The Booker T. Washington Memorial Half Dollar holds immense historical significance as the first United States coin to feature an African American. Authorized by Congress in 1946, these silver coins were designed by Isaac Scott Hathaway to fund the educator's birthplace memorial in Virginia.

What affects the value of Booker T. Washington Silver Half Dollar?

• The specific mint year and location, as production spanned from 1946 to 1951 across three different mints.
• The presence of original mint luster and the absence of surface wear or scratches.
• The overall strike quality, particularly on the high points of Washington's cheek and the cabin details.
• Current market demand for early U.S. commemorative silver coinage.

How to Identify Booker T. Washington Silver Half Dollar?

• Verify the obverse features the bust of Booker T. Washington designed by Isaac Scott Hathaway.
• Check the reverse for the depiction of a log cabin and the Hall of Fame at New York University.
• Confirm the composition is 90% silver and 10% copper with a weight of approximately 12.5 grams.
• Look for mint marks (P, D, or S) located on the reverse side below the cabin.

History of Booker T. Washington Silver Half Dollar

The Booker T. Washington Memorial Half Dollar was the first coin to feature an African American, authorized by Congress in 1946. These coins were minted from 1946 to 1951 to honor the educator and civil rights activist and to help fund the Booker T. Washington Birthplace Memorial in Virginia. They were designed by Isaac Scott Hathaway, the first African American to design a U.S. coin. This coin symbolizes a significant moment in American numismatic history, reflecting evolving societal recognition.