History of the Coin:
The 1982 George Washington Commemorative Half Dollar marked the beginning of the Modern Commemorative Coin Program. The coin was issued to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of George Washington.

The obverse of the coin portrays George Washington on horseback. The reverse features his home at Mount Vernon. The coin was designed and engraved by Elizabeth Jones, who was serving as the chief sculptor and engraver of the United States Mint at the time the coin was issued.

The obverse inscriptions read “George Washington”, “Liberty”, “250th Anniversary of Birth” and the date “1982”. The reverse inscriptions include “United States of America”, “In God We Trust”, and the denomination “Half Dollar”. Coins were struck in 90% silver and represented the first 90% silver coins to be produced by the United States Mint since 1964. Proof and uncirculated versions were issued, with proof coins struck at the San Francisco Mint and the uncirculated coins struck at the Denver Mint. The coins were initially sold at a discount for during a “pre-issue” period before regular prices went into effect. The coins actually remained available for sale from the US Mint until December 31, 1985.