A few things are fairly common knowledge when it comes to the 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar: 1) The coin had a total mintage/distribution of 25,000 (out of an authorized 25,000 limit); 2) It was sold for $1.00 per coin by the Connecticut Tercentenary Commission; 3) the Hartford National Bank and Trust Company was a primary distributor of the coins and did so in a variety of attractive, decorated cardboard boxes with velour interiors.
I've discussed the distribution boxes for the Connecticut half dollar here:
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1935 Connecticut Tercentenary - EphemeraLesser known is the fact that the Commission appears to have made an arrangement with the US Mint to set aside and note the first 200 coins struck, to be used for special purposes by the Commission. These "first strike" coins were sold for $2.00 each (vs. the standard $1.00 price). I wonder if Thomas G. Melish was aware of these coins and they sparked his idea for the certified holders used for the initial strikes of the Cincinnati and Cleveland half dollars?
It does not appear their availability was advertised to the general public - at least I have yet to see such a notice. Similarly, I have not yet encountered any official documentation attesting to the special character of these 200 coins - Does it exist?
For now, I am relying on the accuracy of the Commission's Report on the Tercentenary, which stated "An issue of twenty-five thousand was purchased by the public at one dollar a coin within a few weeks of the date of issue. The first sale was on April 20, 1935, and two dollars were charged for the first two hundred minted."
I'll report back if I uncover more!
1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar
For more of my topics on commemorative coins and medals, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 04/04/2023 08:49 am
