Coins & Coins & Coins

The Daniel Boone Bicentennial Half Dollar is a distinctive US commemorative coin produced from 1934 to 1938. Its creation was authorized by Congress to mark the 200th anniversary of Daniel Boone's birth and to generate funds for restoring historic sites linked to him in Kentucky.

Designed by Henry Augustus Lukeman, the coin features Daniel Boone on the front. The back displays Boone alongside a Native American (Shawnee Chief Black Fish), a stockade, and a rising sun. While technically legal tender, these coins were made specifically for collectors, not for spending, and are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.

A notable aspect of its story is the controversy over its distribution. In 1935, a scarce variant with a "small 1934" date on the reverse was issued in limited numbers. C. Frank Dunn, secretary of the Bicentennial Commission, promoted these as rarities, leading to accusations of price manipulation and frustrating many collectors.

Today, the value of a Daniel Boone Bicentennial Half Dollar differs greatly depending on its year, mint location, and physical condition. While more common types in average condition might be worth just above their silver value, rare versions or those in pristine condition can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For instance, a high-grade 1937-D Boone coin once sold for over $10,000.

The 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar is a U.S. coin created to help fund the carving of the Stone Mountain Memorial in Georgia. This monument was intended to honor Confederate leaders like Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, who are depicted on horseback on the coin. Interestingly, the coin was also meant to commemorate President Warren G. Harding, but this idea was removed from the final design.

The coin was designed by Gutzon Borglum, who later became famous for Mount Rushmore. However, his initial designs for the Stone Mountain coin were not readily accepted. While the sale of the coin was meant to support the large-scale carving project, it didn't raise as much money as hoped, partly due to objections from Union Civil War veterans. The Stone Mountain carving project itself had a difficult history and was finished much later by a different artist. Despite these challenges, over a million of these half dollars were made, so they are not extremely rare today.

The 1943 steel penny was a special U.S. one-cent coin created during World War II. To save copper for military needs like ammunition, the usual bronze penny was temporarily replaced with one made of steel coated in zinc. This made the 1943 penny magnetic and lighter. Although over a billion were made, people didn't like them much, often mistaking them for dimes and finding they rusted easily. The U.S. Mint went back to copper in 1944. While most 1943 steel pennies are common today, a few very rare and valuable ones were accidentally made using copper instead of steel. You can tell these rare copper pennies apart because they are not magnetic.

Explore the fascinating world of U.S. Classic Commemorative Coins, minted between 1892 and 1954. This era includes 144 silver issues—primarily half dollars—along with a single quarter and dollar. Highlights include iconic pieces such as the 1892 World’s Columbian Exposition half dollar and the 1954 George Washington Carver/Booker T. Washington half dollar.

These coins commemorate significant events and influential figures in American history, from the World’s Columbian Exposition to the Old Spanish Trail. While complete mintage data for every coin and mint may not always be available, we’ll examine key examples and explore the factors that affect their value and collectibility.

Join us as we uncover the rich history and striking designs that make these classic commemoratives a favorite among collectors.