J & L Commemoratives
ARKANSAS 1937-D

Owner Comments:

Pop 1 Pre FUN Heritage Auction Lot no. 1153. 1937-D 50C Arkansas MS68 PCGS. First produced in 1935, the Arkansas Centennial half dollar was designed by Edward Everett Burr, a longtime resident of Little Rock. His original sketches were translated into relief models by Emily Bates, also an Arkansas native.This coin is the single finest-known example of the 1937-D Arkansas Centennial commemorative. Just 5,505 pieces were coined, and approximately one-half of that number have been encapsulated by NGC and PCGS. Undoubtedly there are at least a few additional survivors, but it seems extremely unlikely that any of those will ever be found to rival the superior quality of this piece. A challenging type to find with noteworthy eye appeal, the present Superb Gem is certain to be among the most beautiful of all existing '37-D Arkansas halves. Lovely crimson, sea-green, rose-brown and orange-gold colors are seen in select peripheral and field areas on the obverse; a perfect frame to the dove-gray centers. Both sides are satiny, with uncommonly vibrant luster for the type, and there are no distracting handling marks to be found. Perhaps the most singularly noteworthy attribute of the piece is its exquisite striking detail, which is full and crisp on almost every design element. PCGS reports just one coin in MS68, with none finer, while NGC has not yet certified any example of this scarce issue above the MS67 level (11/06).