Whitman Expo
1938 New Rochelle Half dollar SP Values
Details
The 1938 New Rochelle half dollar, dated 1938, marks the 250th anniversary of the New York community's settlement in 1688. However, this coin was struck in 1937, a year before its stated date of issue. Such discrepancies between dates of production for certain coins versus the dates seen on those pieces were common in the high-flying days of the traditional commemorative series in the mid 1930s. This attractive coin, designed by Gertrude K. Lathrop, features an obverse motif of a settler handling a calve, and the reverse showcases a fleur-dis-lis, or flower of the lily.
Approximately 50 examples of the issue were struck with a special strike. The dies and planchets were polished like a proof coin but the strike wasn't quite to that standard resulting in a special (SP) strike.
This coin is made of 90% silver; 10% copper and has a current melt value of $31.16
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
Est. 50
Coinage Type:
Classic Commemorative
Coinage Years:
1892-1954
Composition:
90% silver; 10% copper
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
New Rochelle
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
12.5 gr
Weight:
0.475 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.3617 oz
Strike Type:
Special Strike
Diameter:
30.6 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
Gertrude K. Lathrop
Obverse Designer:
Gertrude K. Lathrop
Reverse Designer:
Gertrude K. Lathrop
Feedback:
