1982 (D) George Washington 250th Anniversary Commemorative Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$719 MS68 02-01-2000 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1982 (D) George Washington 250th Anniversary Commemorative Half Dollar is a commemorative half dollar struck at the Denver Mint. Total mintage reached 2.2 million. Authorized by Congress in 1982 (Public Law 97-104) to celebrate the 250th anniversary of George Washington's birth, this half dollar was the first commemorative coin struck by the United States since the Carver/Washington issue of 1954, ending a 28-year hiatus in the commemorative series. The obverse features George Washington on horseback in military uniform at Valley Forge, while the reverse displays Mount Vernon, Washington's Virginia estate, with a small heraldic eagle in the foreground. Designed by Elizabeth Jones. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 11.34 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #9600. As the coin that revived the U.S. commemorative program after nearly three decades, the 1982 Washington half dollar occupies a pivotal place in modern numismatic history and set the template for all subsequent modern commemorative programs.