A Historic Tribute to American Democracy

This listing offers a stunning and highly collectible piece of American commemorative numismatics. It is a 1989-S Congress Bicentennial Half Dollar, certified and encapsulated by the Professional Coin Grading Service, or PCGS, at the prestigious PR69DCAM, or Proof 69 Deep Cameo, grade. This commemorative half dollar was issued to mark the 200th anniversary of the United States Congress, which first convened under the federal constitution in 1789.

The coin is housed in a protective PCGS holder with a label indicating the coin's designation and features a barcode for authentication. The PR69DCAM grade indicates a near-perfect proof coin with exceptional eye appeal, mirror-like fields, and heavily frosted raised devices that create a bold cameo contrast.

Historical Context: The Congress Bicentennial Commemorative Series

The Congress Bicentennial Half Dollar was authorized by Public Law 100-673, signed by President Ronald Reagan on November 17, 1988. The legislation provided for the minting of up to four million copper-nickel-clad half dollars to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States Congress.

The San Francisco Mint produced the proof version of the half dollar, distinguished by the S mint mark, while the Denver Mint produced the uncirculated version. A portion of the surcharges from the sale of these commemorative coins was authorized to go to the Capitol Preservation Fund for use by the United States Capitol Preservation Commission.

Design and Specifications

The obverse, designed by Patricia L. Verani, features a bust of the Statue of Freedom, the iconic sculpture that stands atop the United States Capitol dome. The inscriptions include BICENTENNIAL OF THE CONGRESS arched above the statue, the dual dates 1789 and 1989 on either side, and IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY below. The S mint mark is located below the date.

The reverse, designed by William Woodward and sculpted by Edgar Z. Steever IV, features a full view of the United States Capitol building, surrounded by a wreath of 13 stars representing the original colonies. The inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above the Capitol, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and HALF DOLLAR near the bottom. The designer's initials WW appear on the right side of the Capitol dome, while EZS appears on the left.

Product Specifications

Denomination: 50 Cents, Half Dollar
Year: 1989
Mint: San Francisco, S mint mark
Grade: PR69DCAM
Certification: PCGS
PCGS Number: 9633
Designer, Obverse: Patricia L. Verani
Designer, Reverse: William Woodward
Composition: 75 percent Copper, 25 percent Nickel over Copper Core
Weight: 11.34 grams
Diameter: 30.60 millimeters
Edge: Reeded
Mintage: 767,897 pieces

Understanding the Certification

This coin has been authenticated and graded by PCGS, one of the most respected third-party grading services in the numismatic industry. It is securely encased in a tamper-evident PCGS holder with the certification label and barcode for verification.

The PR69DCAM, or Proof 69 Deep Cameo, grade indicates a near-perfect proof coin with exceptional eye appeal, virtually no visible imperfections under magnification, and bold cameo contrast between the mirror-like fields and frosted raised devices.

Why This Coin Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This coin carries certified authenticity and grade, as the PCGS slab provides a lifetime guarantee of the coin's genuineness and grade. It is a gem proof quality example, with the PR69DCAM grade indicating a near-perfect coin with striking deep cameo contrast. It is a historic commemorative issue, struck to honor the 200th anniversary of the United States Congress, a cornerstone of American democracy. It has a low mintage, with only 767,897 pieces struck, making it a finite and collectible issue. Most of all, it features an elegant design, with the iconic Statue of Freedom and a detailed view of the United States Capitol.

This coin is more than currency. It is a historic tribute to American democracy, offering a near-perfect proof example of a low-mintage commemorative honoring the bicentennial of the United States Congress. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

The auction is live. Coins of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.

Dimensions:
Height 4.5, Width 3, Depth 0.5 inches
Weight 0.2 lbs

Condition:
Excellent, as graded by PCGS.

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.

• Low Estimate: 170.00
• High Estimate: 378.00