Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1989
Mints: Denver & San Francisco
Composition: 0.9167 copper, 0.0833 nickel
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 11.34 grams
Total Mintage: 163,753 (business), 767,897 (proof)
Edge: reeded
Authority: Public Law 100-673
Introduction
In 1989, we celebrated the the Bicentennial of the United States Congress and honored the occasion with the issuance of a commemorative half dollar. It was one of three coins issued, which also included a silver dollar and $5 gold coin. Surcharges from the sale of coins went to the Capitol Preservation Fund.
The obverse was designed by Patricia Lewis Verani and features the bust of the Statue of Freedom. Flanking both sides of the bust design are the years “1789” & “1989” as well as the designer's initials “PV”. Located directly below the year “1989” 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). On the upper periphery are the words “BICENTENNIAL OF THE CONGRESS”. On the lower periphery are the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
The reverse was designed by William Woodard and engraved by Edgar Z. Steever. The main design features a full view of the Capitol Building surrounded by a wreath of 13 stars which represented the number of original states. On the upper periphery are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”. 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”. Located directly below the Capitol building to the left are the designer's initials “WW” and to the right are the engravers initials “EZS”.
General Market Notes
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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