1936 Daniel Boone Bicentennial 50c
This Daniel Boone Commemorative Half Dollar was first struck in 1934 to honor the bicentennial of the frontiersman’s birth. Daniel Boone became an early folk hero from his exploits as a pioneer into the new territories west of the Appalachians into Kentucky. Boone was an important historical figure whose actions lived up to his famous legend.
The designs were prepared by sculptor Augustus Lukeman. A bust of Boone facing left is featured on the obverse while the reverse shows, again, Boone along with the Shawnee Chief Black Fish, both in full figure. The coin was minted for five consecutive years, and for all but the initial year of production, at all three operating mints leading to many date and mintmark varieties. During the second year of production the commemorative date was added above the phrase PIONEER YEAR on the reverse, which continued through the rest of the series. In subsequent years, smaller numbers of branch mint coins were minted. The coin was created according to the standards for a half dollar at the time weighing 12.5 g, having a diameter of 20.6 mm, and a metal composition of .900 silver and .100 copper.
Boone Half Dollars as a series can be found with a number of differing surface textures and with a variance in luster. Prooflike coins are known while some have a chrome or satin finish, and a number will display semi-matte surfaces. Conventional, frosty luster, with its accompanying cartwheel effect, is seen primarily on the Philadelphia Mint issues. Most pieces are well struck, yet weakness may occur in the Indian’s head and hand, and all of the dates within the series seem to be available in grades up through MS 65, though quantities of surviving pieces drop off quite a bit at higher grades. The first signs of wear on the obverse will appear on the hair behind Boone’s ear; on the reverse, check for wear on the shoulder of Chief Black Fish.
This 1936 version of the Boone Commemorative Half Dollar was submitted to NCS to help its sad state. Improper storage had left a noticeable mark on the surfaces of this coin. Rusty red residues had become adhered to the surfaces in large blotches as well as some unattractive toning in unusual patterns. Luckily the residues had not permanently damaged the surface of the coin, as similar residues often can, and the professional conservators at NCS were able to safely remove them. After removal of the residue and undesirable toning, the coin was left with a bright natural look ready for grading with NGC. Following conservation, this Boone Commemorative Half Dollar was able to grade numerically.
See more in the Conservation Gallery.
