1925 Lexington–Concord Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

The story behind this coin

Massachusetts sponsored this coin for the 150th anniversary of the opening battles of the American Revolution. Chester Beach placed the Minute Man statue on one side and the Old Belfry at Lexington on the other. The issue was sold during the anniversary observances and through local banks.

Design and symbolism

The coin marked 150 years since the fighting at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Chester Beach connected the two towns with a landmark from each: Concord's Minute Man statue and Lexington's Old Belfry. The coins were distributed mainly through two local banks, making the issue as much a New England anniversary souvenir as a national commemorative.

Obverse: Beach adapted Daniel Chester French's Minute Man, the farmer-soldier leaving his plow and gripping a musket. The inscription PATRIOT HALF DOLLAR gives the denomination an unusually narrative treatment.

Regular issues and mintages

The figures in this 1925 Lexington–Concord Sesquicentennial 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.