1923 Monroe Doctrine Centennial Half Dollar

The story behind this coin

San Francisco

Design and symbolism

The Monroe Doctrine Centennial Half Dollar marked 100 years since President James Monroe's 1823 declaration warning European powers against new colonization or intervention in the Americas. Its real-world sales campaign, however, was tied to something much more local and theatrical: proceeds were intended to support the American Historical Revue and Motion Picture Industry Exposition in Los Angeles.

That connection explains why LOS ANGELES appears prominently on the reverse and why the coin was struck at San Francisco. Congress authorized as many as 300,000 pieces, and the Los Angeles Clearing House handled the issue. The coins were offered for $1 each, but the exposition failed to create the expected demand.

Regular issues and mintages

The figures in this 1923 Monroe Doctrine Centennial 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.