This commemorative fifty-cent piece, released in 1946, features a portrait of Booker T. Washington on the obverse and a cabin and small log schoolhouse, representing his birthplace and the Tuskegee Institute he founded, on the reverse. It represents a significant piece of American numismatic history, being the first circulating United States coin to feature an African American. Examples can be found in varying conditions, impacting their value to collectors.
Issued to honor the contributions of this influential educator and leader, it serves as a tangible reminder of Washington’s impact on education and race relations in the post-Civil War era. Its release marked a significant step towards broader representation on American currency. The coins historical context, linked to both Washington’s legacy and the evolving societal landscape of the mid-20th century, contributes to its enduring interest among historians and collectors alike.