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"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life, but rather by the obstacles which he has overcome." -Booker Taliaferro Washington
The 1st Formal Numismatic Tribute to Booker T. Washington
This top-tier coin set represents a conscientious numismatic initiative; namely, as a tribute to one of America's greatest and most influential leaders. Booker T. Washington's exemplary leadership effectuated social, political, economic, and educational reform in America. As a civil rights activist, educator, author, orator, and advisor to multiple presidents of the United States, his influence impacted the lives of Americans on every level.
From slave to freed American, Washington sacrificed his life for the betterment of generations to follow. He "lifted the veil of ignorance from his people and pointed the way to progress through education and industry". To hold a Booker T. Washington commemorative coin in hand is to hold a piece of American history that was unequivocally impacted by one of its own citizens, never to be forgotten.
To learn more about this Classic Commemorative coin, reference the CoinWeek article, 1946-51 Booker T. Washington Memorial Half Dollar. Ron Drzewucki also sums it up best in his article, Why This Coin Still Matters, in CoinWeek. It's worth the read. Over 7,000 people have read it, and you should too. Click the button below.
1946 BTW 50¢ • PCGS MS67+
1946-D 50¢ BTW • PCGS MS67
1946-S 50¢ BTW • PCGS MS68
With amazing dual-sided original "monster" toning, this BTW exudes high technical quality and visual allure. Tied in the Finest grade of Mint State 68 with a population of only 7, there are none finer. Brilliant luster on both sides scintillates through the dominant cranberry-red color, with both sides showing hints of dark purple, tangerine, indigo, and gold.
1946-S 50¢ BTW MS68
- Mintage: 500,279 | Survival Estimate: <99,000
- Numismatic Rarity: R-2.0 (Very Rare)
- Top Population Coin: 8 (out of 4,216+ graded)
- Population in Higher Grades: 0
- Lower Grades: 4,206
1946-S 50¢ BTW MS68
PCGS Price Guide Value: $10,500
The 1946-S AURORA BOREALIS Booker T. Washington Half Dollar
Introducing the 1946-S AURORA BOREALIS Booker T. Washington 50¢ Coin. Graded Mint State 68 by PCGS, this exquisite rare coin is tied for Finest in existence in its series. With over 70 years of magnificent envelope toning, it bears semblance to the Earth's enigmatic Northern Lights, ranking 10 out of 10 on the color scale. Top Population Coin of 8, with none finer. Value: $10,500.00+
1947 50¢ BTW • PCGS MS67
1947-D 50¢ BTW • PCGS MS67
The "Beaten Path" Booker T. Washington Coin
1947-S BTW 50¢ • PCGS MS67
1948 BTW 50¢ • PCGS MS67
NEW!!! 1948-D Taliaferro BTW MS67+
Check out Poobah's latest work! View the newly released Talieferro BTW short video exhibit below & click Subscribe if you like it!😊
1948-S 50¢ BTW • PCGS MS67
1949 50¢ BTW • PCGS MS67
1949-D 50¢ BTW • MS 67+
Amazing blazing brilliance bespeaks this top-tier uber rare-in-grade coin! Virtually perfect in technical quality, it tied for the finest ever graded with only 5 other brother coins sharing its highest rank. Incidentally, Poobah holds one of the other 5 Top Population coins in this rare grade as well (Certification# 38400295).
- Extremely low Mintage of only 6,004 coins made.
- PCGS Numismatic Rarity grade of R-4.3, among 3,001-3,400 Estimated Surviving coins graded MS65 or Better among TPG's in existence, despite there being only 1,215 graded in that range by PCGS.
- PCGS "Tied for Finest" TOP POPULATION COIN of 6, with none finer.
- Total of 1,635 1949-D's graded lower, as of 6.4.2020.
- PCGS Price Guide Value: $3,000.00.
1949-S 50¢ BTW • PCGS MS67+
1949-S 50¢ BTW • PCGS MS67+
This "Popper Topper" coin is unequivocally one of the most beautiful, problem-free coins in the Classic Commemorative series! It's replete with incredible strike, pristine surfaces devoid of bag marks, plus jaw-dropping luster with cartwheels that wobble-wobble more than a Hip-Hop video vixen.
1950 50¢ BTW • PCGS MS67
1950-D 50¢ BTW • PCGS MS67
1950-S 50¢ BTW MS67+
Alas! A rainbow rim Booker T!...dreams do come true! This remarkable example is tied for the finest graded in the 1950 San Francisco mintmark by PCGS. An exquisite, distraction-free coin, it is devoid of the usual relief bag marks, and the fields are absolutely immaculate on both sides!
Certified coins of the same grade can be of varying quality; and, quality determines the value of a rare coin! This Rainbow Rim BTW is solid for its grade. In fact, The Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC) recently verified this coin against their strict quality standards, thereby enhancing its overall value, while also distinguishing it from its lesser counterparts!
- Mintage: 512,091
- PCGS "Tied for Finest" TOP POPULATION COIN of 9, with none finer.
- PCGS Lower Graded Population Total: 2,457 in the 1950-S's (as of 6.6.2020).
- PCGS Price Guide Value: $3,800.00.
Overall technical quality, coupled with 10 out of 10 reverse toning secured this coin's CAC-verification and PCGS Secured Plus designation! This coin's original toning took over 65 years in a protective storage envelope to emerge so exquisite.
Once a part of the #1 PCGS Registry Set of 144 Classic Silver Commemoratives coins (Young Collection), this coin started out at a value of $3,750 March 1, 2002. 3 years & 4 months later, it reached its highest peak ever of $11,000! A drastic decline (intermixed with mild fluctuation during the span) was witnessed from 2006-2019, with the coin's value reaching an all-time low of $2,900 in 2016. The past year saw its value increase to $5,500, having leveled out to the present time. Let's hope its market value spikes upward this year...hopefully higher than its peak 18 years ago!😄 If not, it's still a gorgeous coin to be admired, and certainly holds a great deal more intrinsic value than it does its face value!😉
1951-S 50¢ BTW • PCGS M&67+
The last coin in the Booker T. Washington Silver Commemorative Series saw an incredibly low mintage of a mere 7,004 coins. Modest estimates of 1951 San Francisco mint survivors ranges from 4,001-5,000 coins considered Mint State 65 or Better (PCGS R-4.0) remain in existence; however, a vast number were melted with this year and mint being among the largest number included. A more current, realistic figure puts certified survivors in a range of approximately 1,200-2,250 in the world. Two of the largest 3rd Party Grading companies, PCGS and NGS, show record of 1,243 (PCGS) and 709 (NGC) graded 65 or Better to date. This coins shares a TOP POPULATION and Tied for Finest Graded designation of 13, with none graded higher.
A stunning and vibrant gem, this 1950-S Booker T. Washington Commemorative Coin from The Poobah Collection received a MS66PL with Prooflike designation by PCGS. This is the ONLY verifiable PCGS Prooflike Booker T. Washington example graded in any grade. CAC-Verified.
US Coins – America’s African-American Numismatic Legacy
Numismatic authors Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker have shared a concise, yet comprehensive article that sheds light on the history of African-American U.S. coinage. Read about America's African-American Numismatic Legacy in this eye-opening, insightful, and most intriguing article!...You won't be disappointed, and will glad that you did!
About the Collector
Grandmaster Supreme Poobah
Numismatist | Art Collector
A proud native of Texas, Poobah graduated from Baylor University and eventually acquired a Masters Degree from Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA). He lived and studied in Cairo, Egypt, attended the American University in Cairo, and also toured different parts of Africa and the Middle East. Aside from his professional life as a solopreneur, he enjoys graphic design, singing, studying the Bible, and traveling in his leisure time. He's a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; American Numismatic Association; PCGS Collector's Club; and, NGC. Collecting represents just one side of the many facets of his lifestyle, although he attributes much of his personal enjoyment and satisfaction to the practice.
Banknote collecting started the fire for Poobah, which eventually gave way to coin and art collecting. Never one to stop short of diversifying, he quickly developed a strong passion for the street and pop art culture; Americana; Black History/African Americana; designer toys; bullion; gemstones, and new chicks' phone numbers.
Morgan Silver Dollars and Classic Commemorative coins suit his fancy the most, with special attention given to Booker T. Washington and Washington-Carver Half Dollar series. He's a major collector of Booker T. Washington historical memorabilia, possessing original autographed first edition books, his letters, and more.
Special Thanks & Recognition
PCGS logo, TrueView® images, CAC logo, and Marina Amaral logo & BTW digitally colorized photos are property of, and registered Trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Coin photography and coin art exhibition design by Grandmaster Poobah. Need coin photography or exhibit graphic design work to make your coins presentation-ready, for digital display, or to sell? Contact Poobah at ReachMe@GrandmasterPoobah.com or via phone/text: (657) 888-COIN. Check out more cool stuff from #ThePoobahCollection, and follow Poobah on Facebook!
Credits:
PCGS TrueView®; Marina Amaral; Grandmaster Poobah.