1946 Booker T Washington Half Dollar No Mint Mark
The 1946 Booker T Washington Half Dollar is a special commemorative coin that was issued by the US Mint to honor the life and work of Booker T. Washington, the famous African-American educator, author, and advisor to presidents. This coin is also known as the "BTW Half Dollar" and is highly valued by coin collectors and history enthusiasts.
The Design of the Coin
The obverse side of the coin features a portrait of Booker T. Washington facing left, with the words "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" inscribed around the edge. The reverse side shows an image of the cabin where Washington was born, with the words "FROM SLAVE CABIN TO HALL OF FAME" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" inscribed around the edge. The coin has a diameter of 30.6 millimeters and is made of 90% silver.
The No Mint Mark Variety
One interesting aspect of the 1946 Booker T Washington Half Dollar is that there are two varieties of the coin. The first variety has the letter "S" on the reverse side, which indicates that it was minted in San Francisco. The second variety, on the other hand, has no mint mark at all. It is believed that the "no mint mark" variety was minted in Philadelphia, but this has never been confirmed.
The "no mint mark" variety is rarer than the "S" variety, and therefore more valuable. In fact, a 1946 Booker T Washington Half Dollar with no mint mark can be worth thousands of dollars, depending on its condition and other factors.
The Legacy of Booker T. Washington
Booker T. Washington was born into slavery in Virginia in 1856, and went on to become one of the most influential African-American leaders of his time. He founded the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, which became a leading center for African-American education and empowerment. He also advised several US presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, on issues related to race relations and African-American progress.
Washington was known for his philosophy of "self-help" and vocational training, which emphasized the importance of education and hard work in achieving success. He believed that African-Americans should focus on improving their own skills and economic status, rather than relying on government or other outside sources for help.
Conclusion
The 1946 Booker T Washington Half Dollar No Mint Mark is a rare and valuable coin that honors the legacy of one of America's most important African-American leaders. Whether you are a coin collector or a history enthusiast, this coin is a fascinating piece of American history that is worth learning more about.