The US 1936 Half Dollar, designed by John R. Sinnock, was introduced during the Great Depression as the nation sought economic recovery. The coins metal, 90% silver, symbolized the country’s historical reliance on silver-backed currency. Sinnock’s design, featuring a depiction of Franklin half bust and the Liberty bell, was intended to inspire national pride and resilience during a time of economic hardship.
The 1936 Half Dollar’s design also reflects the political climate of the time, with Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal aiming to revive the economy. The coin’s aesthetic, emphasizing freedom and unity, served as a symbol of hope and recovery during a challenging period in US history.