Three California-themed half dollars of the classic-era US commemorative coin series can be linked through the inclusion of a bear within their designs.
The first to be issued was the 1925 California Statehood Jubilee Half Dollar; struck to help mark the 75th Anniversary of California's Statehood; California was admitted to the Union September 9, 1850; California was the 31st state.
A prospector panning for gold is depicted on the coin's obverse, while the reverse is dominated by a
California grizzly bear.The coin was designed by Joseph Mora.
1925 California Statehood Jubilee Half Dollar
In 1935, the Panama-California International Exposition was held in San Diego, California; the Exposition opened for a second season in 1936. In support of the Exposition, the 1935-36 Panama-California International Exposition Half Dollar (aka, the "San Diego") was issued.
The obverse of the coin features a variation of the California State Seal. It depicts a seated, helmet-wearing
Minerva (Roman goddess of wisdom) with a staff in her right hand and her left hand on a shield emblazoned with "Eureka" (the state motto of California). A
grizzly bear sits at Minerva's feet on her right side. Also to
Minvera's right is seen a sailing ship and a miner; the Sierra Nevada mountains are featured in the background.
The coin's reverse depicts portions of the California Building, identified by its dome, and the California Tower which rose beside it. The two structures were among the most popular attractions on the Exposition grounds.
The coin was designed by Robert Aiken.
1935 Panama-California International Exposition Half Dollar
The 1936 Bay Bridge Opening Half Dollar was issued to mark the opening of the bridge that spans the San Francisco Bay and connects the cities of San Francisco and Oakland. The bridge opened to the public on 12 November 1936
The coin's design is the work of local artist Jacques Schnier and features a
California grizzly bear on its obverse and a somewhat "artistically licensed" view of the bridge on its reverse. The Bay Bridge is one of only a few US commemorative coins struck at the San Francisco Mint; the "S" mint mark is to the left of the bear's right paw.
1936 Bay Bridge Opening Half Dollar
For more of my topics on commemorative coins and medals, including other stories about each of the coins referenced here, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 01/07/2025 08:56 am
