Commems Collection: 1936 Long Island Tercentenary

 Posted 03/28/2012  9:32 pm

Tonight we head out to "the island" for a quick stop before heading to New England via a 1936 Long Island Tercentenary half dollar in PCGS MS-65.

The coin commemorates the 300th anniversary of the first European -- Dutch -- settlement on the island in 1636. The obverse features conjoined symbolic portraits of a Dutch settler and a Native American from the Algonquin tribe. On the reverse is seen a Dutch sailing ship of the era. The coin was designed by Howard Kenneth Weinman, son of A.A. Weinman (he of Walking Liberty half-dollar and Winged Liberty dime fame).

By the time the Long Island commemorative was authorized, Congress had become acutely aware of the abuses being perpetrated on collectors via the various commemorative coin programs. So, the coin's authorizing legislation mandated that the coin could only be dated ‘1936' regardless of when struck and that no coins could be struck more than one year after the enactment of its authorizing Public Law. There would no Oregon Trial scenario played out for the Long Island half dollar.

The coin's cartwheel luster is unbroken on both sides and it is free of significant detracting marks.

Enjoy!


1936 Long Island Tercentenary -- Obverse




1936 Long Island Tercentenary -- Reverse