Coins & Coins & Coins

The 1925 Lexington-Concord Half Dollar

In this episode of Coins & Coins & Coins, we dig into a coin that commemorates one of the most important turning points in American history—the 1925 Lexington-Concord Sesquicentennial Half Dollar. Struck to honor the 150th anniversary of the first battles of the American Revolutionary War, this coin was more than a piece of silver—it was a patriotic souvenir sold to fund local celebrations in Massachusetts. We’ll explore the design choices behind this historic coin, from the iconic "Minute Man" statue on the obverse to the Old Belfry on the reverse. Though packed with symbolism, the coin's artistic merits sparked debate, and not everyone was impressed with its final look. With over 160,000 coins minted and sold for just $1 at the time, it’s now one of the more affordable classic commemorative coins for collectors today. Whether you're new to coin collecting or just a fan of American history, this episode offers a look into how one coin connects art, patriotism, and memory of “the shot heard 'round the world.”

The Stone Mountain Half Dollar: A Coin Carved in Controversy

Step into the complex history of the 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar—one of the most controversial coins in U.S. commemorative history. This silver half dollar, minted in Philadelphia, features Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, and was created to fund the Stone Mountain Confederate monument in Georgia. Designed by Gutzon Borglum—who later sculpted Mount Rushmore and was associated with the Ku Klux Klan—the coin reflects deep ties to white supremacy and institutional racism of the era. Backed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the fundraising campaign—dubbed the “Harvest Campaign”—distributed coins based on white population and bank deposits. Despite over 2 million coins minted, nearly half were melted due to poor sales and growing national controversy. On this episode of Coins & Coins & Coins, we unpack the coin’s design, symbolism, historical context, and modern collectibility. From Civil War memory to the politics of public monuments, this episode explores how a seemingly simple coin became a lightning rod for cultural conflict—then and now. If you’re a coin collector, history buff, or curious listener, this is one story you won’t want to miss.

The 1924 Huguenot-Walloon Half Dollar

In this episode of Coins & Coins & Coins, we explore the fascinating and controversial story behind the 1924 Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary Half Dollar. Issued to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the founding of New Netherland (present-day New York), this U.S. commemorative coin honors the arrival of Protestant Huguenot and Walloon settlers aboard the Nieuw Nederlandt in 1624. Designed by George T. Morgan—famed for the Morgan Dollar—the coin features busts of Admiral Gaspard de Coligny and William the Silent, spiritual leaders who never actually set foot in the New World. Backed by the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America, the coin sparked debate over the separation of church and state and was criticized for promoting religious propaganda. It also drew fire for featuring historical figures who had no direct link to the 1624 voyage. With over 55,000 unsold coins eventually released into circulation, the Huguenot-Walloon Half Dollar became both a collector’s item and a case study in the politics of U.S. commemorative coinage. Join us as we unpack the symbolism, controversy, and collectibility of one of the most debated coins in American numismatic history. A must-listen for coin collectors and history lovers alike!

The 1923 Monroe Doctrine Centennial Half Dollar

🎙️ Discover the Story Behind the 1923 Monroe Doctrine Centennial Half Dollar on Coins & Coins & Coins! This episode explores a fascinating intersection of history, Hollywood, and U.S. coinage. Struck to honor the 100th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine, this commemorative half dollar featured Presidents James Monroe and John Quincy Adams and was tied to a grand—but ultimately failed—Los Angeles exposition. Designed by Chester Beach and minted in San Francisco, the 1923 coin was part of a public relations effort by the troubled Hollywood film industry. The exposition promised pageantry, historical reenactments, and even plans to produce educational films, but financial failure led to many coins entering circulation at face value. We’ll dive into the coin’s controversial design, its limited success, and the congressional debate that questioned the dignity of U.S. commemorative coinage. Learn how this silver half dollar became a symbol of overambition, market saturation, and artistic controversy. Perfect for numismatists, history buffs, and collectors alike, this episode uncovers the little-known legacy of the Monroe Doctrine Centennial Half Dollar. 💰🇺🇸

1922 Grant Memorial Half Dollar

Discover the fascinating story behind the 1922 Grant Memorial Half Dollar, one of the most unique and sought-after coins in U.S. commemorative coin history. In this episode of Coins & Coins & Coins, we dive deep into the historical significance, rare varieties, and collectible value of this classic silver half dollar issued to honor the 100th birthday of President Ulysses S. Grant. Minted in Philadelphia and designed by acclaimed sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser, this coin features a striking portrait of Grant and his Ohio log cabin home. But what truly sets it apart is the mysterious "star" variety—an unplanned minting quirk that created one of the rarest U.S. commemorative coins ever released. Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a new coin collector, you'll learn about the coin’s origin, the reason behind its two varieties ("with star" vs. "no star"), and how these differences impact market value. We also touch on how some coins ended up in circulation during the Great Depression, adding even more intrigue to their history. If you’re interested in rare coins, U.S. silver half dollars, or simply love exploring American history through money, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.