The 1936 Texas Centennial Half Dollar was issued by the U.S. Mint to celebrate 100 years of Texas independence. Featuring iconic designs by sculptor Pompeo Coppini, it was produced at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints, with a combined mintage of 30,000 coins that year. This remarkable half dollar blends patriotic artistry with enduring collector appeal.
Design, Production & Purpose
- Obverse design: An eagle set against the Lone Star, symbolizing Texan independence.
- Reverse design: Depicts Victory over the Alamo, flanked by heroes Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, with the Six Flags of Texas overhead.
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper; weight 12.5 g; diameter 30.6 mm.
- Mintage (1936): Exactly 30,000 coins—10,000 each minted at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
- Sales campaign: Initially marketed at $4.50 per set of three, targeting both Texans and national collectors.
Rarity & Availability
Compared to its siblings, the 1936 issue is relatively scarce, with modern mint-state survivors prized by collectors.
- Philadelphia (P): Most accessible, but high-grade specimens limited.
- Denver (D) and San Francisco (S): Less common, especially in MS66+ grade.
- Survival estimates: Roughly thousands exist in MS62–MS66; coins graded MS67 or finer are rare.
- Market snapshot:
- MS67+ examples: ~15 known; one sold for $493.50 in 2015.
- MS66 coins sell around $500–$600 on platforms like eBay.
Auction Records & Market Value
Listed below are typical price ranges based on grade and mint mark.
| Mint/Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| MS66 (P/D/S) | $450–$600 (eBay, Collector sales) |
| MS67+ | ~$493 (Heritage, MS67+ example) |
| MS68+ | Around $3,995 (PCGS sale) |
| Circulated | $60–$150 (VF–EF, common collector grade) |
Why It Appeals to Collectors
- Historical significance: A tribute to Texas’s independence centennial.
- Stunning craftsmanship: Coppini’s imagery blends artistry and symbolism.
- Limited mintage: Just 10,000 coins per mint.
- Variety allure: Collectors seek coins from all three mints, especially high-grade versions.
Authentication & Grading Tips
- Design check: Ensure sharp detail in Alamo scene, flags, and eagle feathers.
- Mintmark location:
- “D” or “S” mintmarks appear to the right of Alamo architecture on reverse.
- Philadelphia coins lack a mintmark.
- Condition assessment:
- Look for original mint luster with minimal contact marks.
- MS67+ coins are barely circulated and retain full details.
- Certification:
- Choose reputable graders like PCGS or NGC.
- Population reports indicate only a few MS67+ survivors, underlining rarity.
Collecting Strategies
- Complete mint set: Acquire P, D, and S mint marks in MS65+ condition.
- Spot variety & die characteristics: Subtle differences in die states and finishing affect desirability.
- Monitor sales platforms: Heritage, Stack’s or eBay for unexpected finds.
- Price trends: MS66 coins hovering around $500–600; MS67+ coins approaching $1,000; MS68 close to $4,000.
The 1936 Texas Centennial Half Dollar stands as a symbol of Texan pride and U.S. commemorative artistry. Its limited mintages, dramatic visuals, and modern collector interest—especially in MS67+ condition—make it a prized piece in any collection.
Whether you’re adding a Lone Star centerpiece or pursuing high-grade examples, it deserves a prime spot in your numismatic portfolio.
FAQs
Q1: How rare is the 1936 Texas Centennial Half Dollar in MS67+?
Only about 15 coins in MS67+ have surfaced. One graded MS67+ sold for $493.50 in 2015.
Q2: What is the 1936 Texas half dollar currently worth?
MS66 coins typically sell for $500–$600, while MS67+ can reach close to $1,000, and MS68 coins fetch approximately $3,995.
Q3: Are coins from all three mints equal in value?
Not exactly—Denver and San Francisco mint pieces are often scarcer in high grades, making them slightly more valuable than Philadelphia equivalents.
