Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1986
Mints: Denver & San Francisco
Composition: 0.9167 copper, 0.0833 nickel
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 11.34 grams
Total Mintage: 928,008 (business), 6,925,627 (proof)
Edge: reeded
Authority: Public Law 99-61 of July 9, 1985
Introduction
In 1986, we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of The Statue of Liberty. The United States Mint, by an Act of Congress, authorized the minting of a commemorative half dollar. The coins were issued with the intent to assist in fund raising for restoration of the Statue of Liberty and the structures on Ellis Island.
The obverse was designed by Edgar Z. Steever and features the Statue of Liberty with a ship in the harbor against a New York City skyline as well as a large sun with rays. Located to the left of the statuse base are the designer's Initials “ZS”. On the outer periphery are the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” as well as the year of issue. Located at the bottom right of the sun's rays is the min mark “S” for San Francisco or “D” for Denver. (note: proof coins were only minted at San Francisco and business strikes were only minted at Denver)
The reverse was designed by Sherl J. Winter and features an immigrant family standing on a pier at Ellis Island overlooking the harbor at New York City. On the upper periphery are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS”. On the lower periphery are the words “HALF DOLLAR” and “E PLURIBUS UNIM”. Located in the bottom left of the design are the designer's initials “JW”.
General Market Notes
The Statue of Liberty commemorative was quite popular as seen by it's mintage totals for both business and proof strikes. Finding an affordable example should be no problem.
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