Post Your Commemorative Coins/Medals That Present Bad History

I'll wrap up my look at "Bad History" coins within the classic era of US commemorative coins with a look at a coin that is less "Bad History" and more "Confusing History" - the 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar.

If you were to search for early European settlements of present-day Connecticut, you would likely encounter settlements that date prior to 1935 - Dorchester/Windsor in 1633, for example, with another being Watertowne/Wethersfield in 1634. As each of these settlements date to before 1635, why was 1935 selected as the Tercentenary year?

The Connecticut Tercentenary Commission considered several dates between 1933 and 1939 (Connecticut's Fundamental Orders adopted) to designate as the States' Tercentenary year. It ultimately decided on 1935, stating that "the beginning of settlement had been made" in that year via the river settlements of Windsor, Wethersfield and Hartford, plus the fort established at Saybrook. So, while arguments can be made for earlier settlements/other 300th Anniversary years, 1935 was a reasonable choice for Connecticut. 1935 is particularly relevant considering the three settlements created that year joined together in 1636 to form the Connecticut Colony.

1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar



For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more details about the Connecticut half dollar, see: Commems Collection.

Very interesting, commems!

I somehow forgot to include this one in my survey of "Bad History" US classic-era commemorative coins. It was on my list, but I inadvertently skipped over it as I was preparing my posts. So, to correct my oversight, I present the story of Daniel Boone and the Coonskin Hat!

The obverse of the 1921 Missouri Statehood Centennial Half Dollar features a left-facing portrait of Daniel Boone wearing a coonskin cap. The depiction, by Robert Aitken, is well-executed, and in line with the popular vision of what the 18th Century frontiersman looked like. One problem, Boone did not wear coonskin hats! As reported on the web site of The Boone Society, "My father, Daniel Boone, always despised the raccoon fur caps and did not wear one himself, as he always had a hat." -- (Nathan Boone: "My Father, Daniel Boone," The Draper Interviews with Nathan Boone, edited by Neal O. Hammon.)

An interesting and informative look into the history of Daniel Boone and the Coonskin Cap can be found here: Daniel Boone Never Wore a Coonskin Cap! Definitely recommended!

The reverse of the 1934-38 Boone Birth Bicentennial Half Dollar depicts a standing Boone facing Shawnee Chief Black Fish with the Boonesborough Fort in the background. Boone is depicted wearing a coonskin cap.

Nathan Boone's revelations make the depictions of Boone on the obverse of the Missouri half dollar and the reverse of the Boone Birth Bicentennial half dollar examples of popular misconceptions becoming "Bad History" for all to see!

1921 Missouri Statehood Centennial Half Dollar - Plain Variety


1934-38 Daniel Boone Birth Bicentennial Half Dollar



For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including other stories about the Missouri Statehood and Boone Birth half dollars, see: Commems Collection.

Very interesting, commems.

You're welcome!

I think the 1960s TV show was a major factor in folks' beliefs in a coonskin cap-wearing Daniel Boone!

Nice add, Dearborn.

What is the bad history being portrayed on that example? Please explain.