Q. David Bowers
(Also see preceding listing)
Dates on coins: 1921 (also 1819-1919)
Date when coins were actually minted: 1921 Mint used: Philadelphia
Maximum quantity authorized: 100,000 (combined for both types)
Total quantity minted (including assay coins): 6,006 pieces in October 1921 and 10,008 in December 1921 (total: 15,014; a figure disputed by some) Assay coins (included in above): 14
Quantity melted: None(?)
Net number distributed (including assay coins): 15,014 (a figure disputed by some, who suggest only 6,006 were minted and released)
Standard original packaging: Plain paper envelope
Official sale price: $1
Interesting fact: With "2X2" incuse in obverse field, creating a variety to increase sales to collectors.
(average market prices)
1925 MS-60 $1.50
1930 MS-60 $2.50
1935 MS-60 $4
1936 (summer) MS-60 $15
1940 MS-60 $10
1945 MS-60 $14
1950 MS-60 $15
1955 MS-60 $30
1960 MS-60 $50
1965 MS-60 $70
1970 MS-60 $70
1975 MS-60 $250
1980 MS-60 $1,700
1985 MS-60 $850
1986 MS-60 $360, MS-63 $650, MS-64 $1,675, MS-65 $3,500
1990 (spring) MS-60 $245, MS-63 $650, MS-64 $2,400, MS-65 $8,500
1990 (December) MS-60 $215, MS-63 $475, Ms-64 $1,800, MS-65 $5,400
Note: The average specimen advertised as "Brilliant Uncirculated" during the period from about the 1930s through the mid-1980s was in a grade which today we would designate as AU-58 to MS-60.
The Continuing Story of Commemoratives
The blatantly commercial aspects of the Alabama half dollar set a precedent which led to a string of issues whose main purpose was profit. Whether Alabama should be considered first in this unsavory list, for it set about in 1920 to celebrate an anniversary which occurred in 1919 but didn't do it until 1921, or whether Missouri (see following) should be given credit for being the first to create a special variety for the exploitation of collectors, is a matter for debate. Then there is the Pilgrim half dollar situation, started with all innocence in 1920 but which became exploitative in 1921.