4011

[L#4011] 1936-S Bay Bridge 50c PCGS MS67

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,200.00 USD
[L#4011] 1936-S Bay Bridge 50c PCGS MS67
Original toning from the issue card, and in immaculate state of preservation. A handsome offering. The Bay Bridge links the Oakland side of San Francisco bay with San Francisco and shouldn't be mistaken for the other famous bridge in the area, the Golden Gate Bridge.

To build the San Francisco-to-Oakland, California Bay Bridge, the state created a Toll Bridge Authority in 1929; it later issued bonds to be retired by toll collections. Then the Depression struck, stalling plans. During the administration of Franklin Roosevelt the Reconstruction Finance Corporation lent $70 million of the $77.2 million cost of the project with the state paying the remainder. Ground was broken July 9, 1933 and the bridge completed November 12, 1936. Heralded on completion as the "world's greatest, most costly overwater roadway" and as the "longest over-water span in world," the 8-1/4 mile bridge has two decks, the upper with six traffic lanes, the lower for trucks and interurban lines. (Actually, the "bridge" consists of two bridges, with a break at Yerba Buena (a.k.a. Goat) Island. A 3-day jubilee celebrated the bridge's opening and included regattas, air races, and a pageant of light floats. Out-of-town visitors numbered 300,000. In addition to the Commemorative Half Dollars, copper and gilt brass medals were issued for the event.