In April of 1775, following Paul Revere’s famous ride to Lexington, skirmishes were fought on Lexington Commons and the North Bridge near Concord, Massachusetts. Pitting British regulars with American militiamen, those two fights were the first military engagements leading up to the American Revolutionary War. 150 years later, the United States Mint issued a commemorative 50-cent piece to celebrate the Sesquicentennial anniversary of these famous battles.
One of the earliest so-called “Classic Commemorative” U.S. coins, this half dollar was authorized by an Act of Congress and was specifically issued to raise funds for celebrations surrounding the 150th anniversary of the battles in each town. The engraver of the coin, Charles Beach, was directed by the Concord coin commission to capture the image of “The Concord Minute Man,” a statue in Concord created by renowned artist Daniel Chester French. The Lexington commission required that the engraver present the Old Belfry, the structure from which the bell was rung to summon the local militia to engage the British regulars. The coin, like other half dollar pieces of the day, contained 90% silver and weighed 12.5 grams
The authorization was for the minting of up to 300,000 pieces, designated for sale at the price of one dollar through the town commissions with local banks and institutions, and records indicate that 162,013 coins were struck. Many surviving specimens bear signs of wear, often reflecting these coins being pressed into circulation during the Great Depression. Today, the classic commemorative series remains a favorite of many U.S. coin collectors, and the Lexington-Concord half dollar is no exception. Although not considered particularly rare, pieces in extremely pristine and attractive condition can command large premiums at auction.
Here at Stack’s Bowers Galleries Boston, we are celebrating the 250th anniversary by offering 1925 Lexington & Concord commemorative half dollars in all grades and appropriate to all budgets. Come in while supplies last! As always, our team of numismatists here in Boston are ready to help you find that rare coin or if you need to liquidate a coin collection. To contact us for further inquiries or to make an appointment for any numismatic inquiries please call 617-843-8343 or [email protected]. We hope to see you soon!
