1921 Alabama Centennial offers two variations: Market Analysis
- Published: Apr 8, 2015, 5 AM
Classic-era commemorative silver coins from 1892 to 1954 were made for collectors and were not intended to circulate. Some did, as the many circulated 1892 and 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition half dollars that are available today for a modest premium over their silver value show. Occasionally, lower-grade circulated commemorative coins can be found, beyond the typically encountered types such as the 1923-S Monroe Doctrine Centennial half-dollar. Oh, what stories these coins could share!
The Coin
1921 Alabama Centennial, 2x2 half-dollar, Very fine 30
The Price
$90
The Story
1921 Alabama Centennial commemorative half-dollars were designed by Laura Gardin Fraser and have two variants. One is the normal “plain” variety and the other one has a sunken “2X2” in the right field above the stars. This was to note Alabama’s status as the 22nd state of the Union and to create an additional version for collectors, and in turn, increased revenues.
The issue is notable for its obverse design, which includes the busts of William Wyatt Bibb, Alabama’s first governor, and T. E. Kilby, who was then-governor of Alabama. The depiction of Kilby marked the first use of a recognizable living person’s portrait on a U.S. coin.
This issue can be found in circulated condition with some frequency and this one, graded NGC Very Fine 30 sold for $90 at a Nov. 18, 2014, Heritage auction.
Keep reading this Market Analysis:
1915-S Panama-Pacific half dollar a collector favorite with a reasonable price tag
1900 Lafayette Monument reigns supreme in commemorative half-dollar series
More from CoinWorld.com:
Internet surfing yields discovery of finest known Sheldon 96 1796 Draped Bust cent
California federal judge rules against government in 1974-D aluminum cent case
Higher grade does not always translate to best coin
9-year-old who asked President Obama why more women are on U.S. coins and notes gets response
Royal Mint announces new £1 to circulate in 2015
Please sign in or join to share your thoughts on this story.
Keep up with all of CoinWorld.com's news and insights by signing up for our free eNewsletters, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Twitter. We're also on Instagram!