Classic Coins - Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollar

The Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollar Classic Commemorative Coin celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Independence of Texas. Though the anniversary was in 1936, the silver commemorative coins were minted from 1934 through 1938.

Characteristics - size, weight, metal content, value range
Obverse - picture, description, artist
Reverse - picture, description, artist
Commentary - coin notes, mintage information, historical comments, fun facts

On June 15, 1933, the first session of the 73th Congress approved an act which became Public Law 73-59. 

The law began, "That in commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary in 1936 of the independence of Texas and of the noble and heroic sacrifices of her pioneers, whose memory has been an inspiration to her sons and daughters during the past century, there shall be coined at the mints of the United States silver 50-cent pieces to the number of not more than one and one-half million, such 50-cent pieces to be of the standard troy weight, composition, diameter, device, and design as shall be fixed by the Director of the Mint, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, which said 50-cent pieces shall be legal tender in any payment to the amount of their face value.

"SEC. 2. That the coins herein authorized shall be issued only upon the request of the American Legion Texas Centennial Committee, of Austin, Texas, upon payment by such American Legion Texas Centennial Committee of the par value of such coins, and it shall be permissible for the said American Legion Texas Centennial Committee to obtain said coins upon said payment, all at one time or at separate times, and in separate amounts, as it may determine."

The law continues by stating that all coinage laws already in place shall also apply to these coins and ends with the Proviso: "That the United States shall not be subject to the expense of making the necessary dies and other preparations for this coinage."

Characteristics - Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollar

Metal Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Diameter - millimeters: 30.6
Diameter - inches: 1.2
Weight - grams: 12.5
Weight - troy ounce: 0.401884332
Silver content weight - troy ounce: 0.3617
Mint Locations: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
Years Minted: 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938

The coin's silver content alone makes it more valuable than its face value of $0.50.

But, the coin's age, its condition, and its desirability make it even more valuable as a collectible.

The coin's estimated value ranges from $105 (low grade - XF) to $270 (high grade - MS-66).

Extraordinary characteristics on the Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollar can command a price outside the estimated value range. 

Obverse - Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollar

The obverse or front of the coin shows an eagle superimposed on a large star with an oak branch clasped in its talons.

The coinage inscriptions say, United States of America, Half Dollar, E Pluribus Unum, In God We Trust, and 1935.

Artist: Pompeo Coppini

Reverse - Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollar

The reverse or back of the coin displays the winged kneeling female figure of Victory with her left arm extended over the Alamo. She holds a spray of laurel in her right hand. Small portraits of Houston and Austin flank her on either side. The tops of six battle flags show above Victory's wings and behind the Liberty banner.

The coinage inscriptions read The Texas Independence Centennial, Liberty, Houston, Austin, 1836-1936, and Remember the Alamo.

Artist: Pompeo Coppini

Commentary - Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollar

The stated mintage limit was 1,500,000, but records show a significantly lower number, just under 150,000, were minted including all five years' mintage numbers.

The coin pictured above resides in an NGC holder and is graded as an MS-65. (NGC, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, provides coin grading and certification services.)

Versions of the coin also exist across a variety of the grades including MS-66.

The Philadelphia Mint struck the 1935 coin shown in these pictures.

In 1934, only the Philadelphia Mint produced the Texas Independence Centennial half dollar commemorative coin.

In 1935 through 1938, all three mint locations — Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco — made the coins.

The mint marks for Denver and San Francisco show on the reverse just above the "T" in "Remember the Alamo."

The largest number of coins occurred in 1934 at the Philadelphia mint.

As a three-coin set, the 1938 PDS set can bring a value of over $1600 if all three coins are in MS-66 condition.

The citizens of Texas in 1836 believed in "Texas as a star strong enough to prevail on its own." 

Their leadership Convention held in March 1836, "Resolved that a single star of five points, either of gold or silver, be adopted as the peculiar emblem of this republic: & that every officer & soldier of the army and members of this convention, and all friends of Texas, be requested to wear it on their hats or bosoms: which was adopted."

In celebration in 1936, the official central exposition in Dallas occupied 50 buildings and was billed as the first world's fair held in the Southwest.

The Dallas fair's historical pageant, "Cavalcade of Texas," became a popular event.

In nearby Fort Worth, a competing Frontier Centennial Exposition opened.

Both expositions attracted world-wide attention. Billy Rose promoted the Fort Worth exposition with the slogan, "Go to Dallas for education; come to Fort Worth for entertainment."

Visit our GACS Numismatic Shoppe Texas Independence Centennial for a variety of useful items decorated with images of the classic commemorative silver half dollar coin.