1936 Bridgeport Old Commem Half Dollar 50c Grades GEM+ Unc. The Bridgeport Commemorative bears the depiction of P.T. Barnum on the Obverse, having made his home in Bridgeport. Barnum was the Mayor of Bridgeport during his life. The city of Bridgeport created this coin to celebrate its centennial, but The city had actually been around since the 1600's as a major manufacturing and port city, but it was not officially incorporated until 1836. An odd Commemorative to say the least. When examining a Bridgeport, the first place to look for wear is Barnum’s cheek and the eagle’s wing.