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The US Commemorative Cleveland-Great Lakes Half Dollar, minted in 1936, is a numismatic tribute to the centennial celebration of the city of Cleveland, Ohio, and its significance as a major port on the Great Lakes. This commemorative coin was issued to honor the city's role in the development and expansion of commerce and industry in the Midwest.
The United States during the early 20th century was undergoing significant economic and social changes. The nation had emerged from the First World War as a global power, and cities like Cleveland were thriving centers of industry and trade. Cleveland, situated on the shores of Lake Erie, played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and materials across the Great Lakes region.
The design of the Cleveland-Great Lakes Half Dollar reflects the maritime heritage of the region and pays homage to the city's industrial prowess. The obverse of the coin features the bust of President George Washington, facing left, as depicted on the regular-issue United States half dollar. This familiar design symbolizes the nation's founding principles and serves as a unifying element on the commemorative coin.
The reverse of the half dollar showcases an allegorical representation of Moses Cleaveland, the founder of the city of Cleveland, surveying the landscape with a sextant. In the background, a map of the Great Lakes region is depicted, highlighting the importance of maritime commerce and transportation in the development of the Midwest.
The minting of the Cleveland-Great Lakes Half Dollar was authorized by Congress under the terms of the Coinage Act of 1936. The coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the primary facility responsible for producing commemorative coins during this period. The Philadelphia Mint, established in 1792, has a long history of minting circulating and commemorative coinage for the United States.
The mintage of the Cleveland-Great Lakes Half Dollar was limited to 50,030 coins, making it a relatively scarce issue compared to other commemorative coins of the era. The limited mintage was intended to ensure the collectible nature of the coin while still allowing for widespread distribution and public enjoyment.
The denomination of the Cleveland-Great Lakes Half Dollar is fifty cents, consistent with other commemorative half dollars issued by the United States Mint. This denomination was chosen to make the coin accessible to a wide range of collectors and enthusiasts, while also acknowledging the significance of the event being commemorated.
The condition of the Cleveland-Great Lakes Half Dollar in question is graded as UNC, or Uncirculated, indicating a coin that has never been used in commerce and retains its original mint luster and detail. This suggests that the coin has been well-preserved since its minting and is free from the wear and abrasions commonly associated with circulated coinage.