Commems Collection Classic: 1936 Rhode Island Tercentenary - Where's Providence?

Though it is often referred to as the "Rhode Island" by today's collectors, the coin was officially issued "in commemoration...of the three hundredth anniversary of the founding of the city of Providence, Rhode Island." Immediately following its release, dealer ads generally called the coin the "Providence Tercentenary" vs. "Rhode Island Tercentenary" half dollar, but within a year the transition to "Rhode Island" was nearly complete.

The coin's official connection to the founding of Providence, RI has led multiple authors of primary US commemorative coin references to comment on how "Providence" is not to be found on the coin. While this is correct in the literal sense - there is no "Providence" inscribed on the coin - the coin's obverse is, figuratively or symbolically, all about Providence, RI.

The obverse of the coin features a modern adaptation of the Seal of the City of Providence. It depicts the landing of Roger Williams at Slate Rock and him being greeted by local Native Americans (at a site that would become a part of the City of Providence in the future). In the artist's own words: "We selected this subject as an excellent symbol of Liberty, also because it is used as the modern seal and arms of the City of Providence." The half dollar was jointly designed by Howard Benson and Arthur Graham Carey.

Seal of Providence, Rhode Island



The coin's reverse also presents a modern adaptation of a government Seal - the Seal of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Seal of State of Rhode Island - Circa 1936


Note: In 2020, reflecting current social awareness, the residents of Rhode Island voted, by a relatively small margin - 52.8% to 47.2% - to delete "and Providence Plantations" from the State name. The current Seal reflects this change and only includes "Rhode Island."


So, the next time you read something that comments on "Providence" missing from the half dollar authorized to commemorate the 300th anniversary of its founding - you'll know better!

1936 Providence, RI Tercentenary Half Dollar



If you're interested in learning more about the Providence, Ri Half Dollar, check out:

- 1936 Rhode Island Tercentenary
- 1936 Rhode Island Tercentenary - Revisited
- 1936 Rhode Island Tercentenary - Horace Grant
- 1936 Rhode Island Tercentenary - School of Design


For a variety of commemorative-themed posts about coins and medals, check out: Commems Collection.