Discovering the Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar
The Connecticut Tercentenary half dollar is a commemorative 50-cent piece struck by the United States Bureau of the Mint in 1935, marking the 300th anniversary of Connecticut’s founding. But what makes this coin so special? Let’s dive into its history and significance.
From Idea to Reality
The journey to creating the Connecticut Tercentenary half dollar began with a bill passed through Congress in 1934, providing for 25,000 half dollars. Despite being technically in violation of new laws, Henry Kreis’s design was approved. The Philadelphia Mint initially coined 15,000 pieces, but when they quickly sold out, the Connecticut commission ordered the remaining 10,000.
The Design: A Blend of History and Art
On the obverse side, you’ll find the Charter Oak, a symbol deeply rooted in Connecticut’s history. This tree played a crucial role during the English governor-general’s attempt to seize Connecticut’s charter. The reverse features an eagle perched on a rocky mound, surrounded by the name of the country and the denomination of the coin.
Symbolism and Detail
The obverse design is based on a painting by Charles DeWolf Brownell, who began his work in 1855. The Charter Oak’s cavity is exaggerated to emphasize its importance. Art historian Cornelius Vermeule praised the design for using the great oak effectively and featuring a massive eagle. The reverse depicts an eagle upon a rocky mound, with thirteen stars representing the original American colonies.
Production and Reception
The coin was initially struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 15,000 pieces. When these quickly sold out, the Connecticut commission ordered another 10,000 coins to meet demand. The price per coin was $1, and they commanded a premium after their 1935 issue, rising to $730 by 1980.
Numismatic Value
S. Yeoman’s A Guide Book of United States Coins lists the coin for $260-$700 depending on condition. The highest grade sold at auction in 2002 for a whopping $9,487. This coin not only commemorates Connecticut’s history but also stands as a testament to its enduring legacy.
The Significance of the Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar
When Congress passed legislation allowing the sale of commemorative coins in 1935, it was with the intention that proceeds would go towards financing projects by the authorized organization. The Connecticut Tercentenary Commission was supposed to pay for a sculptor to design the coin. Despite this, Henry Kreis’s design has generally been praised by numismatic writers.
Historical Context
In 1935, settlers had already been drifting into what soon became the Connecticut Colony for years before then, with 1635 recognized as the year of its founding. A charter was granted in 1662 and revoked by James II in 1686 but brought forth again after the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
Final Approval
The bill was considered by the House of Representatives on May 21, 1934. There was no debate; the only questions were by William McFarlane of Texas, asking if the coin would cost the federal government anything and if Connecticut was paying the expenses. Maloney assured him on these points, and the bill passed as amended.
Conclusion
The Connecticut Tercentenary half dollar is more than just a piece of currency; it’s a tangible link to the past, a symbol of resilience and heritage. As we look back at its creation and significance, we can’t help but wonder: what other stories do our coins tell?
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This page is based on the article Connecticut Tercentenary half dollar published in Wikipedia (retrieved on November 29, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
