Alabama Centennial half dollar

The Alabama Centennial Half Dollar: A Historical Coinage Marvel

Imagine a time when the United States was celebrating its bicentennial, but instead of just two centuries, it was marking 100 years since one of its states joined the Union. That’s exactly what happened in 1921 with the Alabama Centennial half dollar!

From Idea to Law

The journey of the Alabama Centennial half dollar began in 1920 when Congressman Lilius Bratton Rainey introduced a bill. But it wasn’t just any ordinary piece of legislation; this was about commemorating an important milestone for one of America’s states. The bill had to be amended, and after some back-and-forth, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Act of May 10, 1920, making it official.

Design Decisions

Now, here comes the interesting part: who would grace this coin? Initially, there were concerns about depicting President Wilson himself. Instead, two prominent figures from Alabama’s history—Governor William Bibb and Thomas Kilby—were chosen. This made Governor Kilby the first living person to be featured on a U.S. coin! The design also included symbols representing Alabama as the 22nd state, making it a unique piece of American numismatic art.

Production and Distribution

The coins were minted in Philadelphia and distributed nationwide. But there was an interesting twist: two varieties emerged—those with ‘2X2’ on the obverse and those without. The plain variety, which was more common, sold for $1 each to citizens of Alabama. However, some collectors claim that only the plain variety was available initially.

Value and Rarity

The value of these coins varies greatly depending on condition. Without the 2X2 variety, prices range from a modest $85 to an impressive $850. With the 2X2 variety, values can go up to $650. A specimen in excellent condition even fetched a whopping $7,344 in 2014! These coins are not just collectibles; they’re pieces of history.

Conclusion

The Alabama Centennial half dollar is more than just a coin; it’s a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of one of America’s states. From its inception as an idea to becoming law, then being minted and distributed, these coins have captured a moment in time that continues to fascinate collectors today.