Calvin Coolidge appeared on the 1926 half dollar issued for the United States Sesquicentennial.
The coin commemorated the 150th anniversary of American independence. Its obverse showed two portraits: George Washington, the first U.S. president, and Calvin Coolidge, who was president in 1926. Coolidge’s appearance made the coin notable because it depicted a sitting president during his lifetime.
The half dollar was part of a two-coin issue struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The other piece was a gold quarter eagle valued at $2.50. The half dollar’s reverse featured the Liberty Bell, while the quarter eagle showed Independence Hall.
The coin is a useful predecessor to America250 commemorative coinage. The 1926 event was a sesquicentennial, meaning a 150th anniversary, whereas 2026 is a semiquincentennial, meaning a 250th anniversary. The 1926 half dollar also differed from ordinary circulating coinage because it was sold as a commemorative issue to help finance anniversary activities.