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 77,962 proof coins produced -- the 2nd time production of proof coins in this series was lower than uncirculated coin production. These half dollars are made from 92% copper and 8% nickel. The 2001-P half is extremely difficult to find in perfect PF70 graded condition.
Ebay auction purchase, 04/28/2015, $32.70
2001-P Capitol Visitor Center Commemorative Half Dollar. NGC PF69UCAM
Obverse design by Dean McMullen.