The 1953 Washington-Carver commemorative half dollars honor the memories of two prominent African American leaders of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with Booker T. Washington -- pioneering author and presidential advisor and Carver -- renowned scientist and inventor. Both are pictured in -- jugate portrait by Isaac Scott Hathaway, the first African American to design -- U.S. coin with his Booker T. Washington type debuting in 1946.

While Washington-Carver halves are quite common in uncirculated condition, they are remarkably difficult in grades of MS66 or higher. This is due largely to the flat, broad reverse depicting -- map of the United States. Many examples are quite nice, with fantastic luster and excellent overall eye appeal.