|
1936 Long Island Half Dollar |
1936 Long Island Half Dollar
Mintage 81,826
New York State localities are honored on a disproportionate share of the U.S. commemorative half dollars issued between 1892 and 1954. Five of the 48 halves produced during that period are tied to early settlements in the Empire State. What this reflects, it appears is not so much the importance of the places and events being marked, but rather the great influence of the New York State delegation in getting Congress to authorize all these coins. The Long Island half dollar of 1936 is possibly the simplest of the five New York coins and one of the most appealing. Congress approved this coin for the 300th anniversary of the first white settlement on long Island-established by the Dutch in 1636 at Jamaica Bay. Its obverse carries side-by-side profile portraits of an early Dutch settler and an Indian. Its reverse shows a three-masted Dutch sailing ship. These attractive designs were prepared by Howard K. Weinman. Twenty years earlier his father, distinguished sculptor-medalist Adolph A. Weinman, had designed the "Mercury" dime and the Walking Liberty half dollar, two of the most beautiful and most popular of all U.S. coins. William and Charles Barber, both of whom served as Mint chief engravers, were the only other father and son to design U.S. coinage. The entire authorization of 100,000 Long Island half dollars was produced. Somewhat more than 18,000 pieces were melted, leaving a net mintage of 81,826. The clean-cut appearance of the coin and the popularity of its motifs have made it extremely attractive to collectors. It seems to evoke America's early days more effectively than most coins in the series, and its air of nostalgia has made it a popular issue not only with Americans but also with hobbyists in Europe.
Value $55 - $555 |
