1946 50C Iowa, MS

Description

1946 50C Iowa Commemorative, MS67 PCGS. This Iowa Half Dollar celebrates the centennial of Iowa statehood, struck in 1946 at the Philadelphia Mint to honor the 100th anniversary of the state's "birth." Designed by medallist Adam Pietz, this commemorative represents one of the first silver commemoratives produced following the hiatus of 1940-1945. The mintage of 100,057 coins was substantial for the era, with pieces offered to Iowa residents at $2.50 through a lottery system administered by banks, and to non-residents at $3.00 (limited to 5,000 coins). An additional 1,000 coins were specially lacquered and set aside for future sesquicentennial and bicentennial celebrations. The offered example is graded MS67 by PCGS (Certificate #53916045), representing an exceptional example of this issue. The Iowa Half Dollar is notably one of the most available silver commemoratives from the classic 1892-1954 era, with most survivors grading between MS64 and MS66. This MS67 specimen places it above the typical range and demonstrates outstanding preservation. The coin exhibits the characteristic white, frosty luster for which this issue is known, with minimal surface marks befitting the grade. Specifications: 90% silver, 10% copper composition; 12.5g weight; 30.6mm diameter; reeded edge. Population data indicates 243 examples graded higher than this piece, with 1,013 total graded across all grades by PCGS, underscoring the relative availability of this commemorative in higher grades.