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***Auction Highlight*** 1923-s Monroe Old Commem Half Dollar 50c Graded GEM++ Unc BY USCG (fc)

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:4,175.00 - 8,350.00 USD
***Auction Highlight*** 1923-s Monroe Old Commem Half Dollar 50c Graded GEM++ Unc BY USCG (fc)
***Auction Highlight*** 1923-s Monroe Old Commem Half Dollar 50c Graded GEM++ Unc BY USCG. One may think that the Reverse of the Two Continents of The Western Hemisphere but upon closer examination you will see that they are two women bent into the general shapes of the two continents. When examining a Monroe Commemorative the cheeks of the two statesmen on the obverse and the figures that represent the two continents on the reverse are the highpoints and will show wear first. The 1923-S Monroe commemorative half dollar was sponsored by the California film industry, ostensibly to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine. The obverse design by artist Chester Beach features the conjoined heads of Presidents James Monroe and John Quincy Adams. The reverse was a James Earle Fraser copy of an 1899-dated medal by Ralph Beck, showing the continents of North and South America in the shape of female figures. The coins were offered at one dollar each, but sales were slow. A large distribution of 274,077 examples was eventually achieved, but many of the coins were simply released into circulation at face value.

Unfortunately, the Monroe half dollar was not a well-produced issue, and virtually all examples seen are weakly struck. This spectacular Superb Gem exhibits a better-than-average strike and virtually flawless surfaces that show highlights of sea-green, lavender-gray, and violet toning at the peripheries. Vibrant mint luster adds to the outstanding eye appeal. Tied for 13th finest known. A Corey's Pick, Bid to Win, Don't let it get Away, you might not find its equal Coin. I give this coin my highest recommendation