Owner Comments:
For the years 1997 through 2000, no commemorative half dollars were minted. In 2001, a commemorative half dollar was issued to honor the Capitol Visitor Center. It was the 15th half dollar minted in the "Modern Commemorative" era. The obverse of the 2001-P half dollar shows the north wing of the original Capitol building over-layed on top of an outline of the present day building. There is a horse-drawn carriage in front of the scene. The reverse has a lengthy text inscription within a circle of 16 stars (for the 16 states that existed in 1800). The inscription reads "1800 / 6th Congress / Senate 32 Senators / House 106 Members / E Pluribus Unum." I will have to double check, but I don't recall any wordier reverse appearing on any other half dollar. I am not a fan of this coin's design because the raised devices appear flat and plain (limited detail), as if not well struck.
There were 99,157 uncirculated coins produced. These half dollars are made from 92% copper and 8% nickel. The 2001-P half can be difficult to find in perfect MS70 graded condition.
Ebay auction purchase from user metalsman123, 08/23/2017, $34.95
2001-P Capitol Visitor Center Commemorative Half Dollar. NGC MS70
Obverse design by Dean McMullen.