1936 Arkansas Robinson Half Dollar: A Commemorative Coin with a Rich History

The 1936 Arkansas Robinson Half Dollar, honoring Arkansas Governor and 1928 Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Joseph T. Robinson, marked a turning point in commemorative coin abuse. The obverse features Robinson's right-facing portrait, while the reverse, designed by Edward Everett Burr, depicts an eagle holding a ribbon with the motto "In God We Trust." The issue was distributed through Stack's of New York and included 8 Satin-Finish "Proofs" presented to the Arkansas Centennial Commission. Its mintage was 25,250, and it remains plentiful in Mint State, with high-grade examples displaying varying levels of luster and toning. The 1936 Arkansas Robinson Half Dollar remains in demand among collectors as a fascinating historical artifact reflecting the excesses of the commemorative coin era.

The 1936 Arkansas Robinson Half Dollar: A Commemorative Coin with a Rich Legacy

In the era of classic commemorative coins, the 1930s marked a time of rampant abuse as competing promoters besieged Congress with proposals for new coin bills. By this time, multi-year coin bills had become commonplace, paving the way for the Arkansas Centennial Commission to secure the passage of their multi-coin bill on May 14, 1934.

The first 10,000 1935 Arkansas Centennial Half Dollars rolled off the presses at the Philadelphia Mint in May 1935, selling swiftly at $1 apiece. By September 1935, the stock was depleted.

Embracing an opportunity to boost enthusiasm, B. Max Mehl, a dealer from Fort Worth, Texas, collaborated with the Commission to order an additional 5,500 coins to be struck at the Denver and San Francisco Mints. Mehl's premium price of $2.75 (or $5.00 for both) reflected the desirability of these coins. Production of the Arkansas Centennial Half Dollar extended through 1939, with Stack's of New York leading much of the promotion and distribution.

In 1936, the Arkansas Centennial Commission sought to enhance the appeal and profitability of their coins by introducing new designs. Inspired by the Texas Centennial Commission's successful campaign for five new reverses, the Arkansas Centennial Commission sought authorization for three new reverses for its coin.

While Congress denied the Texas request, the Act of June 6, 1936 (Public Law 831) authorized one new reverse design for the Arkansas coin, featuring Senator Joseph T. Robinson.

Joseph T. Robinson: A Distinguished Statesman Honored

The 1936 Arkansas Robinson Half Dollar was meticulously crafted to commemorate Governor and 1928 Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Joseph T. Robinson. Robinson's distinguished career included serving as the Senate Majority Leader at the time of the coin's release.

Born on August 26, 1872, Robinson embarked on a remarkable political journey. He attended law school at the University of Virginia before returning to Arkansas, where he won a seat in the state's General Assembly. His election to Congress in 1903 marked the beginning of his national prominence.

Throughout his career, Robinson remained a staunch Democrat and a dedicated progressive. His tenure as Arkansas Governor, though brief, was followed by his election to the United States Senate, where he filled the seat vacated by the passing of Senator Jefferson Davis.

Robinson's presidential aspirations were realized when he secured the party's nomination for Vice President in the 1928 Presidential Election. However, the election saw New York Governor Al Smith defeated by Republican Herbert Hoover.

Despite this setback, Robinson remained a respected and influential figure in the Senate. He played a pivotal role in crafting President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "New Deal", using his legislative prowess to alleviate the hardships of Americans during the Great Depression.

Mintage and Production of the 1936 Arkansas Robinson Half Dollar

Congress authorized a mintage of 50,000 pieces, but only 25,250 were struck, representing half the intended quantity. The entire mintage was produced in January 1937 and distributed by Stack's at a price of $1.85 per coin.

In addition to the business strikes, eight Satin-Finish "Proofs" were reportedly minted, with the Arkansas Centennial Commission presenting four pieces to Wayte Raymond, a renowned dealer. These Proofs bear a subtle distinction from regular strikes, having been produced using specially prepared dies and a single press blow at increased pressure.

Value and Market Trends of the 1936 Arkansas Robinson Half Dollar

The 1936 Arkansas Robinson Half Dollar was never intended for circulation, being sold as a premium commemorative. However, examples have entered circulation and exhibit varying degrees of wear and mishandling. Despite these impairments, circulated and impaired coins still command a reduced value.

Well-preserved coins, under the designation of Mint State, are plentiful in the grades MS64 to MS66, but even these can vary significantly in quality. Luster can range from brilliant to dull, often exhibiting a frosty appearance. Many coins of this issue were marked up to varying degrees before distribution, and most undipped examples display subpar toning, even in higher grades.

In grades MS65 and below, the 1936 Arkansas Robinson Half Dollar remains relatively affordable, with examples typically selling for between $100 and $120. MS66 coins offer an excellent value, commanding only twice that amount. However, a significant increase in value is observed in the grade of MS67, where prices rise to $1,000 or more.

The record price for a 1936 Arkansas Robinson Half Dollar stands at $20,700, paid for a PCGS MS68 specimen owned by Bruce Scher. This price was achieved in 2005 and is likely to have diminished in today's market.

Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens

Numismatic data and anecdotes surrounding the 1936 Arkansas Robinson Half Dollar provide insights into its journey through the years.

• One of the significant specimens, a PCGS MS68 example, has maintained its status as a unique piece since 1998.
• Notable auction sales include a PCGS MS68 piece fetching $20,700 in 2005, an NGC MS67+ example reaching $1,500 in 2023, and a PCGS MS67 CAC #4721059 selling for $1,440 in 2022.

Design Highlights of the 1936 Arkansas Robinson Half Dollar

The artistry of the 1936 Arkansas Robinson Half Dollar complements the historical significance of its subject.

• Obverse:

A right-facing portrait of Senator Joseph T. Robinson dominates the obverse, framed by the inscription "ARKANSAS CENTENNIAL 1836-1936." The words "LIBERTY" and "JOSEPH T. ROBINSON" appear in smaller fonts, and Henry Kreis' initial "K" can be found near the rim.

• Reverse:

An eagle with spread wings stands prominently in the foreground, holding a ribbon with the inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." The globe beneath the eagle displays the denomination "HALF DOLLAR" and the date "1936." The Arkansas state flag's lozenge-shaped symbol and three stars symbolize Arkansas's historical ties to Spain, France, and the United States.