1936 50¢ Wisconsin Centennial Silver Half Dollar Commemorative Coin (PCGS MS 64)

Graded PCGS MS 64. Please see the images for further details on the condition of the coin.

The 1936 Wisconsin Centennial half dollar was yet another commemorative issue that honored event of no real national significance. In this case, it was the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Wisconsin territory. It seems the coin was essentially an afterthought, as the centennial celebrations were to be held on July 4thof 1936, and the legislation authorizing the mintage of no less than 25,000 coins was not passed until May 15th of that year.

After some troubles with their first selection, the Wisconsin Centennial Commission’s Coinage Committee selected New York sculptor Benjamin Hawkins to design the coin. His obverse of the Wisconsin half dollar depicts a badger in profile, facing left and perched upon a log. Behind it, arranged vertically, are three arrows, symbolizing the three engagements of the Blackhawk Wars, and an olive branch, denoting the peace which followed. The statutory motto IN GOD WE TRUST is crowded into the space between these symbols. E PLURIBUS UNUM and LIBERTY are arranged in arc form above and below, respectively. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR are inscribed around the periphery.

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.