Sesqui!: Greed, Graft, and the Forgotten World's Fair of 1926 by Thomas H. SwiatekĬommemorative Coins of the United States Identification and Price Guide by Anthony J. The Sesquicentennial Exposition displayed an 80 foot replica of the Liberty Bell that used 26,000 light bulbs.Įncyclopedia of the Commemorative Coins of the United States by Anthony J. This was the first time a private company name appears on a United States coin. The names “Pass and Stow” on the Liberty Bell refers to the company that recast the bell after it initially cracked. The first half dollar struck was presented to Coolidge when he attended the Exhibition. Sesquicentennial Exhibition Online Resource:Ĭalvin Coolidge holds the distinction of being the only living president to appear on a United States coin. 859,408 half dollars were returned to the Mint and melted. The Exhibition itself was well-attended but there was little interest in the coin. The National Sesquicentennial Exhibition Commission overestimated interest in the coin. Inside the raised border is the inscription “SESQUICENTENNIAL OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.”Īll of the 1,000,000 half dollars authorized were struck at the Philadelphia Mint.

The cracked Liberty Bell is located in the center of the field. The designer's initials are found on the truncation of Washington's bust. Heads of George Washington and Calvin Coolidge facing right. Maximum Number Authorized: 1,000,000 pieces. To commemorate the 150 th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and finance the Sesquicentennial Exposition held in Philadelphia. 1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar

Us liberty coins 1926