The Iowa Centennial half dollar was designed by Adam Pietz and minted in 1946.

[1] Since 1936, no new commemorative coins had been approved, as the many abuses and scandals involved with past commemorative coin issues had caused both Congress and then-president Franklin D. Roosevelt to oppose any bills for new commemoratives, especially after a Congressional hearing held on April 15, 1937.

[1] The coins were sold by the Iowa Centennial Committee $2.50 for Iowans, and $3 for those outside of the state.

[1] A majority of the coins minted were sold, with 500 pieces was set side for distribution in 1996, and 500 more for 2046.

In 1996, the coins that were set aside for release that year were offered for $500 each in special holders.