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The Certified 1952 Washington-Carver Commemorative Half Dollar graded MS65 by NGC is a compelling representation of mid-20th-century American numismatics and historical consciousness. Part of a broader series minted between 1951 and 1954, the Washington-Carver commemorative was intended to honor two towering figures in African American history: George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington. This coin, minted in the early post-World War II era, reflects the complex racial and cultural dynamics of the time. It served both as a celebration of African American achievement and, controversially, as a fundraising tool during an era when many U.S. commemorative coins had strayed from their original civic purposes. Nevertheless, the 1952 issue remains a notable piece, both historically and numismatically, particularly in high Mint State grades like MS65 certified by NGC.
The Washington-Carver half dollar was authorized by Congress as a continuation of the Booker T. Washington commemorative series, which had been produced from 1946 through 1951. The revised design, featuring both Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver, was introduced in 1951 and continued through 1954. The coin was promoted by the George Washington Carver National Monument Foundation and other groups that sought to use the proceeds to promote racial harmony and educational causes. However, in practice, much of the distribution was handled through speculative channels, and many of the coins were sold in bulk or melted due to lack of demand. The 1952 edition is one of the more readily available dates in the series, though gem uncirculated examples like this MS65 remain relatively scarce due to handling and storage practices at the time.
The obverse of the 1952 Washington-Carver half dollar is designed by Isaac Scott Hathaway, the first African American artist to design a U.S. coin. The obverse features jugate portraits of George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington, both facing right. The design is dense with inscriptions, including “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “GEORGE W. CARVER,” “BOOKER T. WASHINGTON,” and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The coin also includes the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” along with the date “1952.” The MS65 example certified by NGC displays sharp detail in the facial features and hairlines of both men. The fields are satiny and free of distracting marks, and the rims are well-struck and intact. The depth and clarity of the strike make this high-grade specimen particularly appealing to collectors who appreciate the finer qualities of U.S. commemoratives.
The reverse design is equally intricate and symbolic. At its center is a map of the continental United States with a small cartouche inscribed with “USA.” Superimposed on the map is the motto “AMERICANISM,” flanked by the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The outer legend reads “FREEDOM AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL – FROM SLAVERY TO FREEDOM.” Hathaway’s design on the reverse promotes a message of national unity and progress, albeit one filtered through the lens of 1950s American ideology. The reverse on this NGC MS65 example is particularly well-preserved, with crisp lettering and minimal contact marks in the fields. Luster is bright and evenly distributed, and the overall visual presentation is striking for a coin of this era and type.
The coin was struck at three different mints during its four-year production span—Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”). The 1952 coin is most commonly found with the Denver mintmark, though Philadelphia issues were also produced. The mintmark appears to the right of Washington’s shoulder on the obverse. In this certified MS65 example, the mintmark is sharply defined, and there is no evidence of strike doubling or die fatigue, which can occasionally mar lesser-grade examples of the series. Mintages for the 1952 issue totaled just over 1.1 million pieces across all facilities, but many were unsold and later melted, contributing to a smaller surviving population than the raw mintage figure suggests. High-grade survivors such as this are particularly desirable due to the relatively poor quality of strikes and storage in bulk bags.
By the 1950s, the commemorative coin program had shifted from civic celebration to a more commercial enterprise. The Washington-Carver half dollars were often marketed through mail-order campaigns or sold to speculators in rolls or bags. Many coins were mishandled or stored in suboptimal conditions, resulting in surface marks, abrasions, and toning. MS65 examples, such as this one certified by NGC, stand out as they have survived in far superior condition than the average. Coins in this grade exhibit full mint luster, clean fields, and sharp devices. Eye appeal is paramount for MS65 certification, and this piece exemplifies those qualities with its frosty surfaces and attractive presentation, free from distracting blemishes or haze.
The coin holds particular importance for collectors of African American history, as it represents one of the few instances in which prominent Black American figures were commemorated on U.S. coinage during the 20th century. George Washington Carver was a pioneering agricultural scientist and educator, known for his work in crop rotation and soil conservation, particularly among Southern Black farmers. Booker T. Washington, born into slavery, rose to national prominence as an educator, author, and founder of the Tuskegee Institute. The pairing of these two figures on a single coin was intended to symbolize the progress and potential of African Americans, even if the distribution and promotion of the coins were not without criticism or controversy. Today, the Washington-Carver series occupies a meaningful space in the history of American numismatics and cultural memory.
NGC certification assures collectors of this coin’s authenticity and condition. The MS65 grade places it firmly in the gem uncirculated category, denoting a piece with full original luster, strong strike quality, and only a few minor contact marks visible under magnification. The coin is encapsulated in a tamper-evident holder that preserves its surfaces and allows for long-term storage and protection. Collectors often seek certified examples to enhance both the security and the marketability of their collections, and NGC’s reputation provides added confidence in the grading and conservation of this piece.
The Certified 1952 Washington-Carver Commemorative Half Dollar in MS65 condition represents the upper echelon of preserved examples from this mid-century series. It combines historical resonance, artistic design, and numismatic appeal in a package that reflects both the era of its production and the broader trajectory of U.S. commemorative coinage. With its tribute to two of the most influential African American figures in American history and its striking design crafted by a pioneering Black artist, this coin offers collectors a meaningful and beautiful artifact. Whether acquired as part of a complete commemorative type set or as a standalone tribute to African American heritage, this high-grade specimen stands out for its condition, symbolism, and historical depth.