How to Identify the Daniel Boone Bicentennial Half Dollar
A commemorative half dollar (1934-1938) marking 200 years since Daniel Boone's birth, showing his portrait and a scene with him and Chief Black Fish.
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What This Coin Is
Issued from 1934 through 1938, the Daniel Boone Bicentennial Half Dollar commemorates the 200th anniversary of frontiersman Daniel Boone's birth. It was designed by sculptor Augustus Lukeman and, like several other 1930s commemoratives, was issued across multiple years and mints to generate collector sales.
Obverse Design & Inscriptions
The obverse shows a left-facing bust of Daniel Boone. "DANIEL BOONE BICENTENNIAL" appears in the legend along with "1734-1934," referencing his birth year and the bicentennial year.
Reverse Design & Inscriptions
The reverse depicts standing figures of Daniel Boone and Shawnee leader Chief Black Fish together, commemorating an encounter between them. Some 1934-dated reverse dies also have a small added "1934" in the field above "PIONEER YEAR," a variety collectors watch for.
Size, Weight, Metal, Edge
Standard half dollar specifications: about 30.6mm in diameter, 12.5 grams, 90% silver, reeded edge.
Mint Marks & Where to Find Them
Coins were struck at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco across the run, with mint marks on the reverse. Because the obverse date reads "1934" on every coin in the series (referencing the bicentennial) regardless of the actual striking year, the true issue year must be determined from the reverse, not just the obverse date.
Telling It Apart From Similar Coins
Boone's portrait and the standing figures with Chief Black Fish are unique to this series. The key identification nuance within the series is the small added "1934" on some reverse dies, which distinguishes an early variety from later dates that otherwise look similar — examine the reverse field above "PIONEER YEAR" closely.
Judging Condition at a Glance
As with other 1930s commemoratives sold to collectors, high-grade survivors are common. Check Boone's cheek and coonskin cap outline for wear, and examine the standing figures on the reverse for flattening in the arms, legs, and clothing folds.
Authenticity Red Flags
Confirm weight (12.5 grams) and diameter (30.6mm), and check for a magnetic reaction, which would indicate a counterfeit. Because the small "1934" reverse variety carries a different premium than coins without it, be cautious of any example where that tiny added date looks scratched in, re-engraved, or otherwise inconsistent with a genuine die-struck numeral — have any coin representing a specific variety verified by a professional grading service.
Frequently asked questions
Why does every coin in this series say '1934' on the obverse?
The obverse date commemorates Boone's 1734 birth year and the 1934 bicentennial, not necessarily the year the coin was actually struck.
How do I find the actual mint year of a Daniel Boone half dollar?
Check the reverse of the coin, where the actual striking year and mint mark are shown separately from the fixed obverse date.
What is the small '1934' reverse variety?
Some early reverse dies have a tiny added '1934' above 'PIONEER YEAR,' a detail collectors use to distinguish an early variety.
Who is shown alongside Daniel Boone on the reverse?
Chief Black Fish, a Shawnee leader, depicted standing together with Boone.
What years and mints was this series struck at?
1934 through 1938, at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints.