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Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 22585
The 1936-S Bay Bridge Half Dollar is a notable specimen in the pantheon of U.S. commemorative coins, minted at the San Francisco Mint to celebrate the completion of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in 1936. This coin is a vivid piece of Americana, embodying both the ambitious spirit of its era and the monumental achievements in American civil engineering. As a commemorative issue, it serves not only as legal tender but also as a historical artifact designed to capture and preserve a significant moment in California's, and America's, development.
The design of the Bay Bridge Half Dollar is unique and regionally significant. The obverse features a grizzly bear, a symbol of California, standing atop a map of the state with the Bay Bridge and the two cities it connects, San Francisco and Oakland, highlighted. The design is a tribute to California's state emblem and to the bridge itself, representing its importance as a critical infrastructure project. The reverse showcases the Bay Bridge in a detailed and striking portrayal, capturing the majesty and engineering marvel of the bridge, with the date of the coin's minting and denomination prominently displayed.
The condition of the coin as Almost Uncirculated (AU) indicates that it has only the slightest wear on the highest points of the design. An AU grade ensures that all the fine details, especially the intricate depiction of the Bay Bridge and the map on the obverse, are well preserved. The coin retains a significant amount of its original luster, making it highly appealing to collectors who value both the aesthetic and historical aspects of commemorative coins.
Packaging for the 1936-S Bay Bridge Half Dollar involves protective measures to maintain its condition and value. For a coin of this grade, a plastic flip is used, providing both visibility and protection from handling and environmental factors.
The mintage of the 1936-S Bay Bridge Half Dollar was relatively limited, making it a sought-after piece among collectors of historical and commemorative U.S. coins. The limited mintage adds an aspect of rarity, increasing its desirability in the numismatic community. Coins from this issue are particularly prized not only for their beauty and fine state of preservation but also for their ability to convey the story of a pivotal development in American infrastructure during a period of great economic and social change.
In conclusion, the 1936-S Bay Bridge Half Dollar in Almost Uncirculated condition is more than just a piece of currency; it is a storied artifact that encapsulates a historical moment of pride and progress. For collectors, it offers a tangible connection to the past, encapsulating the spirit of an era when America was rapidly expanding and modernizing. Its preservation in AU condition enhances its value and appeal, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection emphasizing U.S. history, commemorative issues, or the engineering feats of the early 20th century.