1989-S Bicentennial of the Congress Proof Half Dollar

Issued in 1989 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States Congress, this proof half dollar celebrates two centuries of the nation's legislative branch and the history of the U.S. Capitol.

The obverse features the Statue of Freedom, the monumental figure that has stood atop the U.S. Capitol dome since 1863, accompanied by the dates 1789–1989 and the inscription “Bicentennial of the Congress.” The reverse depicts the United States Capitol surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original states.

Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this example is the proof version of the commemorative half dollar and features the highly reflective fields and frosted design elements characteristic of a proof strike.

Historical Significance

The first Congress under the newly adopted U.S. Constitution convened in 1789, beginning the legislative institution that would develop into today's House of Representatives and Senate. Two hundred years later, Congress authorized a commemorative coin program marking its bicentennial.

The program included this clad half dollar along with a silver dollar and $5 gold coin. The half dollar's imagery connects the bicentennial directly to the U.S. Capitol: the Statue of Freedom appears on the obverse, while the Capitol itself dominates the reverse.

The San Francisco Mint produced 767,897 proof examples, making this an accessible piece of the modern U.S. commemorative series with an especially strong connection to American governmental history.

This example displays attractive proof surfaces with strong design detail and substantial contrast between the devices and mirrored fields. It is offered as a raw coin without its original U.S. Mint packaging or certificate. Please review the photographs carefully for its exact condition.

Specifications:

Year: 1989

Country: United States

Denomination: Half Dollar (50¢)

Mint: San Francisco (S)

Finish: Proof

Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad

Weight: 11.34 g

Diameter: 30.6 mm

Edge: Reeded

Mintage: 767,897

You will receive the exact coin pictured. Please reach out with any questions!