1982-S 50 Cent Silver Washington Commemorative NGC PF69UCAM Smithsonian Coin Classics

The First of the Modern Commemoratives in Stunning Proof-69 Condition!

An Event 28 Years in the Making!

The 1930s were a prime time for commemorative coins with dozens of issues celebrating anniversaries, openings and memorials. For a while, it seemed like every major event had a coin for the occasion! But this era wasn't long to last. World War II threw commemoratives on the backburner, and only three series were released from 1946 to 1954. It took almost three decades for the time to be right in reintroducing this now common numismatic staple, and in 1982, the first of the modern commemoratives was finally released -- the 1982 George Washington Half Dollar Proof!

The First and the . . . Only?

You may already know this coin as the proof version of the first modern commemorative, but if you look closely, you'll see why this is the ONLY of its kind! Issued to mark the 250th anniversary of George Washington's birth, this one-year-only design is the only modern commemorative struck in 90% pure silver to date! In addition, it was the first 90% pure silver coin produced by the U.S. Mint since 1964. And, when you take into account that U.S. Mint Chief Sculptor and Engraver Elizabeth Jones created the proof's designs of George Washington and Mount Vernon, you know you have one landmark piece of coin history!

An Official Smithsonian Institution Coin Classic, Ready for Your Collection!

When our buyers located a hoard of these 1982 Washington Commemorative Half Dollar Proofs, we secured them as fast as we could! Then, the best of the group were hand-selected by famed numismatic expert Jeff Garrett and graded near-flawless Proof-69 Ultra Cameo (PF69UC) condition by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). In addition, these proofs have been chosen as part of the Smithsonian Institution's Coin Classics collection, with each coin authorized and licensed by the Smithsonian. That means the same type of proof you hold is also represented in the Smithsonian's numismatic collection! Your commemorative will come sonically sealed with a special Smithsonian Institution label with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the Smithsonian Institution's numismatic department. It's a perfect opportunity to bring this iconic proof home, but these "firsts" won't last -- get yours now!