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The Certified Commemorative Half Dollar Cincinnati 1936-D MS64 PCGS is a coin that not only holds monetary value but also a rich narrative within the tapestry of American numismatics and history. Minted in 1936 at the Denver Mint (denoted by the "D" mint mark), this coin is part of the commemorative series that celebrated various significant events, people, and places across the United States. The Cincinnati Music Center Commemorative Half Dollar, specifically, pays tribute to a city deeply rooted in American culture and its contributions to the arts, particularly music. Certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) with a grade of MS64, this coin is recognized for its excellent preservation and quality.
The United States has a long tradition of minting commemorative coins, starting in 1892 with the Columbian Exposition Half Dollar. These coins served dual purposes: to commemorate significant national historical events and figures, and to raise funds for various projects without directly using taxpayers' money. The Cincinnati commemorative half dollar is a product of this tradition, albeit from an era when the practice had begun to drift towards celebrating less nationally significant events. Despite this, the Cincinnati half dollar encapsulates a period of American history where the celebration of local heritage and culture found expression through numismatics.
Designed by Constance Ortmayer, the Cincinnati Commemorative Half Dollar features obverse and reverse designs that symbolize the city’s musical heritage. The obverse depicts Stephen Foster, a famed composer known as the "father of American music," whose works like "Oh! Susanna" and "My Old Kentucky Home" remain American classics. This choice of design underscores Cincinnati's historical importance as a center for music and the arts in the United States. The reverse of the coin showcases a female figure symbolizing music, holding a lyre, further emphasizing the theme of Cincinnati’s contribution to American musical history.
The 1936-D Cincinnati Commemorative Half Dollar was part of a broader strategy to fund the Cincinnati Music Center, showcasing how commemorative coins were used as fundraising tools for local projects. The coin's mintage was relatively low, contributing to its rarity and appeal among collectors. The "D" mint mark indicates its production at the Denver Mint, one of several mints across the country that produced commemorative coins during this era.
The condition of this coin, graded MS64 by PCGS, signifies that it is well-preserved, with very few marks or abrasions and retains much of its original luster. This high grade makes it a sought-after piece for collectors, particularly those interested in early 20th-century American commemorative coins. The certification by PCGS not only authenticates the coin’s condition but also provides assurance of its quality and collectibility.
In summary, the Certified Commemorative Half Dollar Cincinnati 1936-D MS64 PCGS is more than just a piece of currency; it is a relic of American cultural history, commemorating Cincinnati's musical heritage. For collectors, it represents an opportunity to own a piece of America's numismatic legacy, while for historians and enthusiasts, it offers a tangible link to the past, reflecting the nation's rich cultural tapestry and the unique role of commemorative coinage in celebrating and preserving this heritage. This coin embodies the intersection of history, art, and numismatics, making it a valuable and meaningful addition to any collection.