Q. David Bowers
Commemorating: Centennial of the admission of Iowa into the Union
Obverse motif: Old Stone Capitol at Iowa City
Reverse motif: Eagle adapted from the Iowa State Seal
Authorization date: August 7, 1946
Dates on coins: 1946 (also 1846)
Date when coins were actually minted: 1946
Mint used: Philadelphia
Maximum quantity authorized: 100,000
Total quantity minted (including assay coins): 100,057
Assay coins (included in above): 57
Quantity melted: None
Net number distributed (including assay coins): 100,057
Issued by: Iowa Centennial Committee, Des Moines, Iowa (Ralph Evans, of Davenport, Iowa, chairman of sub-committee on coins)
Standard original packaging: Imprinted paper coin envelopes from distributing banks (e.g., Farmers State Bank, Jesup, Iowa)
Official sale price: $2.50 to residents of Iowa ($3 to others; later, beginning January 16, 1947, $3 to everyone)
Designer of obverse and reverse: Adam Pietz (apparently, initial sketches by Burton H.
Saxton were not used)
Interesting fact: The distribution figure includes 500 set aside for later distribution in 1996 and a further 500 for distribution in 2046; technically, the distribution of Iowa half dollars has not yet been completed.
(average market prices)
1950 MS-63 to 64 $5
1955 MS-63 to 64 $8
1960 MS-63 to 64 $10
1965 MS-63 to 64 $20
1970 MS-63 to 64 $23
1975 MS-63 to 64 $40
1980 MS-63 to 64 $190
1985 MS-63 to 64 $120
1986 MS-60 $110, MS-63 $160, MS-64 $300, MS-65 $560
1990 (spring) MS-60 $98, MS-63 $115, MS-64 $155, MS-65 $400
1990 (December) MS-60 $83, MS-63 $95, MS-64 $100, MS-65 $210