Generally speaking it was because they weren't needed. Why? That would require more research BUT I know the ones in the 30's weren't needed because of the Depression. 50¢ at that time was a LOT of money but many people didn't have jobs.
Demand wasn't needed for them as there were more than enough in circulation. As kanga said mintages were lower in the early 30s cause of the American Great Depression.
Same reason for the early 20's there was a post war recession after WWI ended. The "roaring 20's" really only got roaring in the latter half of the decade.
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