1925 50C Lexington MS65 Certification #22119992, PCGS #9318

David Hall

This event...the "shot heard round the world" at Lexington-Concord in 1775 that signaled the start of the American Revolution...certainly was a legitimate event to commemorate. A total of 162,099 coins were minted. At the initial festivities in April, 1925, there were approximately 60,000 coins sold as souvenirs at $1.00 per coin. Then the coins were sold throughout New England and, to a lesser extent, the rest of the United States. In other words, the Lexington commemorative half dollar was very widely distributed at the time of issue.

Today, Lexingtons are found in a wide range of grades, with the average grade being MS63 to MS65. Superb MS66 examples are somewhat scarce, and MS 67 examples are extremely rare. Most Lexingtons have somewhat satiny luster, though frosty white Gems are occasionally encountered. Some Lexingtons have very dull luster, probably a result of careless storage over the years by non-numismatists. Lexingtons are found with very degrees of toning and eye appeal is a real issue. Also, the leg of the soldier on the obverse often has a little "rub" so look for examples with no "rub" and a rounded knee area.