We are excited to release the fourteenth coin in the CollecTons Keepers program, an exclusive series only offered by CollecTons. The fourteenth coin we present, CollecTons Keepers #14 in Series, features the rare 1982-S George Washington Commemorative Proof Half Dollar.
Why is the 1982-S George Washington Commemorative Proof Half Dollar a Coin Worth Keeping?
The 1982 George Washington Commemorative Half Dollar coins mark the beginning of what is known as "Modern Commemoratives" from the U.S. Mint. The U.S. Mint had received wide criticism for it's unprofitable use of commemorative coins to support both private and charitable organizations and minted the last of the "Classic Commemoratives" in 1954. Many a numismatist was surprised when twenty-seven years later the Mint announced that a commemorative coin would be struck to celebrate the 250th anniversary of George Washington's birth, thus beginning what is known as the modern commemorative program.
Given the success of the Bicentennial Washington Quarters in 1975 and 1976, it was determined that this occasion was more deserving of a commemorative coin rather than the commemorative medals that had been produced to honor presidents in more recent years. Unlike later commemorative coins, the profits from this one would be used to pay down the national debt rather than support a particular organization. The 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games were fast approaching, and there was strong support to strike this 1982 commemorative in order to open the doors to striking another commemorative to celebrate the games.
Unlike most of the commemoratives struck after the Washington Commemorative, this coin seems to belong more with the coins struck between 1892 & 1954. Like the earlier issues, this commemorative is a half dollar, and is made up of 90% silver. Most of the later commemoratives struck were of the large dollar size with a copper clad composition. Like the later coins, this issue was to be struck in both Proof and Uncirculated versions. The coin was highly successful and received three awards in its inaugural year: Coin of the Year competition in 1984 for Most Historically Significant Coin, Most Popular Coin, and Coin of the Year. The success of the George Washington Commemorative Half Dollar was a driving force towards creating three commemoratives for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games!
Here we present the 1982-S George Washington Commemorative Half Dollar in Proof finish.
U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Elizabeth Jones designed both the obverse and reverse of this coin. The obverse show Washington on horseback, and the reverse is of his home, Mount Vernon.
Coin Specifications
- Year: 1982
- Mint: San Francisco
- Mintage: 4,894,044
- Designer: Elizabeth Jones
- Composition: .900 Silver, .100 Copper
- Weight: 12.5 grams
- Diameter: 30.6mm
- Edge: Reeded
What makes the CollecTons Keepers program special?
Here at CollecTons, we work hard researching coins that should be part of every collection. Our goal is to utilize our knowledge in the numismatic industry to select coins worthy of being in everyone's collection! Therefore, the CollecTons Keepers program will only feature those Coins Worth Keeping.
Each coin is hand selected and given to ANACS (America's Oldest Grading Service) for grading and authentication. The coins are then sealed in an ANACs certified proprietary slab holder for long-term storage, with our limited edition label marking it a CollecTons Keeper.
Collect one or collect the entire series!
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