1921 Alabama Centennial Commemorative Half MS-63 PCGS

The Alabama Commemorative Half Dollar was minted namely for local pride as its committee was nearly defunct by the time the coin was minted in 1921, 2 years after Alabama's centennial celebrations. Because the profits had to go somewhere relevant, they were used to fund "historical and monumental" projects. It is not clear, however, what these projects might have been. Its Obverse depicts the first Governor of Alabama, William Wyatt Bibb as well as Alabama's then current governor, Thomas E. Kilby. He was the first person to be featured on a U.S. coin while still alive. The 22 stars on either side of their portraits refer to Alabama being the 22nd State to enter the Union. The date, 1921, refers to the year it was minted; not the year in which its centennial celebrations took place. Its Reverse depicts the actual centennial dates as well as an eagle that adorns the Alabama state seal. The initials LGF are those of Laura Gardin Fraser, who designed the coin. These coins were originally sold for $1 each at various banks throughout the State. Most of these coins went into circulation, but many were kept as pocket pieces. Due to slow sales the remaining coins were melted.