The commemorative halves were popular back in the 40's and 50's. I actually got them in change occasionally. After the war people were dumping their piggy banks and other hoards much like they are in todays economy.
Not to mention that the Goobs dumped a bunch of classic commems into circulation (instead of melting them)......two issues that come to mind are the Columbian Exposition and The Monroe Doctrine Centennial.
