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The Certified Commemorative Half Dollar Set featuring the Booker T. Washington 1949-PDS series stands as a significant collection in American numismatics. This set includes coins minted in 1949 from three different mints: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S), each designated by their respective mint marks. These coins were part of a broader series minted from 1946 to 1951 to commemorate Booker T. Washington, a pivotal figure in the advancement of education and civil rights for African Americans. The series was the first U.S. commemorative to honor an African American, signifying a landmark in both numismatic and cultural histories.
Each coin in the 1949-PDS set features the same design elements. The obverse displays a dignified portrait of Booker T. Washington, with the inscriptions "BOOKER T. WASHINGTON" and "HALF DOLLAR" framing the central image. This portrayal aims to capture Washington's resolve and dedication to his cause. The reverse side illustrates the Hall of Fame for Great Americans at New York University, where Washington is commemorated. Above this depiction, the phrase "FROM SLAVE CABIN TO HALL OF FAME" powerfully encapsulates his inspiring life journey from slavery to being a revered national figure, emphasizing the transformative power of education and perseverance.
The entire set is graded MS64 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), indicating that each coin is in near gem condition. This grade denotes that the coins have maintained a significant portion of their original mint luster, with only a few minor contact marks or abrasions that do not detract from their overall aesthetic appeal. Coins in this condition are highly prized by collectors for their beauty, preservation, and historical significance.
The packaging for the 1949-PDS Booker T. Washington set by PCGS involves meticulous encapsulation in individual protective slabs. These slabs safeguard each coin from environmental damage and potential handling mishaps, ensuring that their graded condition is preserved. The clear plastic of each slab allows for easy viewing of both sides of the coin, facilitating appreciation of their design details without the need to remove them from their protective casing. This type of packaging is essential not only for preservation but also for enhancing the set’s display qualities, making it an attractive addition to any collection.
The mintage of the Booker T. Washington coins across the different mints was quite robust, as the aim was to generate substantial funds for memorial and educational projects related to Washington's legacy. However, securing a complete set from all three mints in a uniformly high grade such as MS64 adds a layer of rarity and desirability to this collection. Collectors value such sets not only for their numismatic appeal but also for their historical narrative and the commemorative purpose they serve.
In summary, the Certified Commemorative Half Dollar Set of Booker T. Washington 1949-PDS MS64 PCGS is more than just a collection of coins; it is a celebration of a historical figure who had a profound impact on American society. Owning this set offers a unique opportunity to possess a piece of history that highlights the achievements of Booker T. Washington and his ongoing legacy in the realms of education and civil rights. It represents a significant investment in both the tangible and intangible values that these coins embody.