1982 George Washington 250th Anniversary Commemorative Half Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1982 George Washington 250th Anniversary Commemorative Half Dollar is a United States commemorative half dollar. 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. Surcharges from sales supported the restoration of Mount Vernon. 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. 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.
