Whitman Expo
1939-PDS Arkansas Half dollar MS Values
Details
The 1939 Arkansas half dollars are the last of a five-year run of coins honoring the 100th anniversary of the admission of Arkansas to the Union in 1836. While the Arkansas halves initially saw brisk sales upon their debut in 1935, numbers collapsed later in the half-decade run. This, perhaps, is due to public dismay over the overwhelming number of distinct commemorative coins in the mid 1930s and news of rampant financial abuses with funds raised by various special-issue coins.
The 1939 commemorative half dollars feature an obverse by Everett Burr depicting an eagle and rays, while the reverse showcases a jugate portrait of a Native American chief of 1836 and an American woman of 1935, as designed by Emily Bates. The 1939 Arkansas commemorative half dollars were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints and sold by the Arkansas Centennial Commission in three-piece sets for $10.
Virtually all surviving 1939 Arkansas halves are known in uncirculated condition, and most are encountered in grades of MS60-65. Examples in grades of MS66 are rare, and those grading higher are extremely rare. Most specimens exhibit frosty luster, and many are toned.
This coin is made of 90% silver; 10% copper and has a current melt value of $31.44
Obverse: A double portrait of Liberty and Native American Chieftain with the words ARKANSAS CENTENNIAL at the bottom periphery.
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Arkansas
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
12.5 gr
Weight:
0.475 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.3617 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
30.6 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
Edward Everett Burr
Obverse Designer:
Edward Everett Burr
Reverse Designer:
Edward Everett Burr
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