Coin profile
Reported standard-issue mintage / distribution: 5,005 each from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco
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1936 Cincinnati Music Center Half Dollar
The story behind this coin
Although promoted as a musical anniversary, the Cincinnati issue rested on a disputed historical claim and primarily honored promoter Thomas G. Melish’s chosen subject, Stephen Foster. Melish controlled distribution and created low-mintage coins at all three mints. The resulting three-piece set became notorious during congressional investigations of commemorative abuses.
Design and symbolism
Obverse: Stephen Foster.
Reverse: Figure of music.
Regular issues and mintages
| Regular issue | Mint | Net distribution / collector mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1936 | Philadelphia | 5,005 |
| 1936-D | Denver | 5,005 |
| 1936-S | San Francisco | 5,006 |
The figures in this 1936 Cincinnati Music Center Half Dollar table report the regular collector issues shown for this commemorative. Where sponsors returned unsold coins for melting, the listed quantity reflects net distribution rather than the larger number initially struck.