1939 50C Arkansas MS65 Certification #34541233, PCGS #9249

David Hall

In 1939, the Arkansas Centennial Commisssion was once again the sole distributor of their coins. Commemorative sales had slowed down as the commemorative coin collecting fad tappered off, so the Commission had low expectations and only 2100 three coin sets were struck. This made each of the 1939 Arkansas issues one of the lowest mintage United States commemoratives. The 1939 Arkansas sets were originally sold at $10 per set.

All three of the 1939 Arkansas half dollars are about of equal rarity. The 1939 is a little rarer than the other two, especially in MS65 condition. The average grade is MS63 to MS65, with few, if any, circulated examples known as most of the original 2100 coins minted were saved. In superb MS66 condition, the 1939 Arkansas is definitely rare. The typically encountered specimen usually has subdued but somewhat frosty luster. And of course many survivors are toned to some degree.