On November 16, 2025, GreatCollections will sell a toned gem PCGS MS66 CAC 1936 Bridgeport Half Dollar. The 1936 Bridgeport Half Dollar features Henry Kreis’ iconic depiction of circus mogul P.T. Barnum along with an angular art deco-inspired American Bald Eagle. The coin was issued at the height of the commemorative coin craze of the 1930s and sold reasonably well, with a final distribution of 25,015 pieces. Of course, most of these survived in Mint State, but the number of certified (CAC, NGC, PCGS) coins in the grade of MS66 or above is just over 1,700 pieces, representing less than 7% of the total mintage.
Silver coins stored in cardboard holders, such as the Bridgeport, tend to discolor or tarnish over time. Occasionally this yields unsightly coins with gallimaufry brown toning, while in other instances, exposure to the occurring contaminants can yield an attractive display of colors.
The example offered by GreatCollections is from the Greg Bingham Collection. After Bingham retired from the National Football League, he began collecting coins and amassed one of the best type collections of United States commemorative half dollars. His goal was “to get the most beautiful coins,” with a focus on toned coins.
As it stands, this superior example will command the attention of all serious Morgan Dollar set builders. Its current bid sits at $265 with 18 days to go.
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GreatCollections has offered high-quality examples of thousands of collector coins over the years, including many top population pieces. To search through GreatCollection’s archive of over 600,000 certified coins and notes that the company has sold, please visit the GreatCollections Auction Archives.
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The post Colorful Bridgeport Commemorative Half Dollar at GreatCollections Is No Typical MS66 appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.
