1926 50C Sesquicentennial Silver Commemorative PCGS MS64

The 1926 Sesquicentennial is different from the abundant commemorative issues of the 1930's in various ways. Firstly, there is no doubt about the importance of the event commemorated:  the 150th anniversary of American independence via the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Second, there were a massive amount of Sesquis produced (1,000,528). However, around 86% of the original mintage (859,048) were melted down as unsold at the sale price of $1.00 per coin.

Nonetheless, this made the Sesqui one of the highest distributed to the public of all silver commemoratives struck during the 1892-1954 classic era, with its net mintage of 141,120. Lastly, writes David Hall, “though the mintage was very high, the design was poorly executed and very flat ... and Gem MS65 examples are rare. In this way the 1926 Sesqui is very similar to the also "flatly designed" 1923-S Monroe.”

PCGS has graded 2,422 as MS64 with 593 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $300.00 in MS64.

Engraved invitation for the opening ceremonies of the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition held in Philadelphia, May 31, 1926. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.