1927 Vermont Sesquicentennial US Half Dollar Almost Uncirculated (AU50) $

1927 Vermont Sesquicentennial USA Half Dollar Almost Uncirculated (AU-50)

The 1927 Vermont Sesquicentennial Half Dollar, also known as the Battle of Bennington Half Dollar, was issued to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, fought on August 16, 1777, during the American Revolution. The battle was a significant victory for the American forces and helped strengthen the Patriot cause in the northern colonies. The obverse, designed by Charles Keck, features Ira Allen, one of the founders of Vermont and a prominent figure in the state’s early history. Allen, along with his brother Ethan, was associated with the Green Mountain Boys, the militia that played an important role in Vermont’s struggle for independence. The inscription “FOUNDER OF VERMONT” emphasizes Allen’s importance to the creation and development of the state.

The reverse is particularly interesting, featuring a catamount, or mountain lion, walking across the design. At first glance, the animal might seem unrelated to the Battle of Bennington, but it carries an important connection to Vermont’s Revolutionary-era history. The Catamount Tavern in Bennington was a famous meeting place for the Green Mountain Boys and other Vermont leaders, including Ira Allen and his brother Ethan. A stuffed catamount displayed at the tavern became associated with the building, and after the tavern was destroyed, a catamount statue was erected on the site. Thus, the animal on the coin served as a symbolic reference to this important gathering place and to Vermont’s revolutionary heritage. The reverse also prominently gives the battle’s date, “AUG. 16,” along with 1777–1927, making the coin a compact celebration of both the battle and Vermont’s 150-year history.

Obverse: Ira Allen, the founder of Vermont and one of the Green Mountain Boys, who defeated the British at the Battle of Bennington, with the legend around.
Reverse: The image of a catamount below double dates, with the denomination below and the legend around.

Specifications:
Engraver: Charles Keck
Composition: 0.900 Silver
Weight: 12.5 g
Diameter: 30.61 mm
Edge: Reeded
Mintage: 28,142