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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/double head half dollar identification

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Expert: - 12/31/2008


Question
I have a fairly worn half dollar with two persons on the front, George Washington and possibly Hamilton? Says Liberty on top and United States of America under the figures (rounding the coin). The back side has the Liberty Bell, with the words Centennial American Independence over the bell, and half dollar listed below the bell.  There is no date that I can discern but the wear is significant so it might be gone. Edge/rim is serrated.  Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer
Barbara,

You have a Sesquicentennial Exposition Commemorative Half Dollar, made to commemorate the celebration of the centennial in 1876, held in Philadelphia from June 1 through November 30, 1926. The half dollar's obverse features overlapping right-facing busts of George Washington and Calvin Coolidge, the White House's occupant at the time of the sesquicentennial.

It sounds like that coin was somebody's pocket piece for a long time.  Worn like that, it likely is worth less than $20.

Dan

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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