As the popularity of coin collecting increased, the number of commemorative coins issued within the United States Mint grew. Typically, the coins were struck by the Mint and provided to organizations at face value. In turn, the organizations would offer the coins to the public at a premium, raising funds various causes. This lucrative practice began to see some abuses.
During the era from 1926-1935, many programs would see the issuance of coins across multiple years in order to maximize revenues. Certain coins were also struck at different mint facilities, once again in order to increase the total number of coins sold due to the collector need for completion.
Highlights from this era include three issues with relatively low mintages. The silver half dollars issued for the Hawaiian Sesquicentennial, Hudson Sesquicentennial, and the Old Spanish Trail each had total distribution of only 10,000 pieces. In particular, the Hawaiian Half Dollar was distributed mainly to residents of the islands, leaving very few for collectors. Other highlights include certain issues with popular designs such as the Oregon Trail Memorial and Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollars.
Detailed Information on 1926-1935 Commemorative Coins
- 1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar
- 1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence Quarter Eagle
- 1926-1939 Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar
- 1927 Vermont Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
- 1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
- 1934 Maryland Tercentenary Half Dollar
- 1934-1938 Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollar
- 1934-1938 Daniel Boone Bicentennial Half Dollar
- 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar
- 1935-1939 Arkansas Centennial Half Dollar
- 1935 Hudson Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
- 1935-1936 San Diego California-Pacific Exposition Half Dollar
- 1935 Old Spanish Trail Half Dollar
