Commems Collection Classic: Official Seals On Classic US Commemoratives - Part VI

Continuing my look at classic US commemorative coins that feature a Coat-of-Arms or Seal...


10. 1936 York County, ME Tercentenary

Per the US Mint, the Seal of York County, Maine is seen on the reverse of the 1936 York County, Maine Tercentenary half dollar; the obverse presents a depiction of Brown's Garrison. (For a discussion of Brown's Garrison, see the link for "Coins Depicting Places Thread" below.)

Maine's nickname is the Pine Tree State." Since approval by the state legislature in 1945, the white pine tree has been considered Maine's official State Tree.

A pine tree is presented in the upper-left quadrant of the York County Seal. It is the only decorative element included on the Seal's Shield other than the cross. The Seal is believed to be rooted in the 17th century unofficial flag of New England. There were multiple versions of the flag, but most incorporated St. George's Cross in the canton along with a small pine tree in the upper left corner (like the York County Seal).

17th Century Flag of New England

(Image Credit. Thespoondragon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.)

As can be seen, the flag of New England is primarily red. The Seal of York County, however, is green and white.

Seal of York County, Maine

(Image Credit. Web site of York County Maine Government.)

The coin was designed by noted wildlife artist Walter Rich of Portland, ME.

1936 York County, ME Tercentenary Half Dollar





For more information about the York County coin and its original holder/mailer, have a look at:

- 1936 York County Tercentenary
- 1936 York County Tercentenary - Revisited
- 1936 York County Tercentenary - Correct Anniversary?
- 1936 York County Tercentenary - Quick Bits #14 - Lesser-Known Facts
- 1936 York County Half Dollar - Coins Depicting Places Thread - Brown's Garrison.

Other of my commemorative coin and medal posts can be found here: Commems Collection.


11. 1946 Iowa Statehood Centennial

Only a portion of the Iowa State Seal is presented on the 1946 Iowa Statehood half dollar; it's found on its obverse. The coin's obverse design includes the eagle and inscribed ribbon from the top area of the Iowa Seal as its primary design; the depiction of the eagle is much improved on the coin, IMO. Twenty-nine stars were added to the coin above the eagle on the coin to represent the fact that Iowa was the 29th state to join the Union.

The coin was designed by German-born artist/sculptor Adam Pietz (1873-1961); Pietz moved to the US in 1889 where he continued his formal art studies. From 1927 to 1946, Pietz was the Assistant Chief Engraver at the US Mint, working under John Sinnock. In addition to the Iowa half dollar, Pietz also designed one or both sides of numerous US Mint medals, including Assay Commission medals and medals for the Mint's Secretary of the Treasury series.

Iowa State Seal


The official description of the full Seal:

"The great seal of the state of Iowa [shall feature] the following device, surrounded by the words, 'The Great Seal of the State of Iowa' - a sheaf and field of standing wheat, with a sickle and other farming utensils, on the left side near the bottom; a lead furnace and pile of pig lead on the right side; the citizen soldier, with a plow in his rear, supporting the American flag and liberty cap with his right hand, and his gun with his left, in the center and near the bottom; the Mississippi River in the rear of the whole, with the steamer Iowa under way; an eagle near the upper edge, holding in his beak a scroll, with the following inscription upon it: Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain."

Note: Emphasis added to highlight the wording that describes the section of the Seal used on the half dollar.


1946 Iowa Statehood Centennial Half Dollar





I've previously posted about the Iowa half dollar here:

- 1946 Iowa Statehood Centennial
- 1946 Iowa Statehood Centennial - Redux
- 1946 Iowa Statehood Centennial - Smooth Sailing At Its Xommittee Hearing
- 1946 Iowa Statehood Centennial - Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Mint


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


I'll wrap things up in Part VII...