Collectors of classic-era US commemorative coins are very familiar with the 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar - it's Coinfrog's favorite BTW! - but may not realize that the issue of the commemorative coin was not the only numismatic event of Connecticut's anniversary celebrations.
In the "Preliminary Program" for the Celebration published by the Connecticut Tercentenary Commission in April 1935, separate "State Level" numismatic exhibits were listed for the Connecticut Historical Society and the Sterling Memorial Library of Yale University (New Haven, CT).
1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Preliminary Celebration Program
The Connecticut Historical Society was planning a month-long exhibit during the summer of 1935 in Hartford, CT, titled "Connecticut Coins and Currency 1709-1781." It was to be part of a series of exhibits about Connecticut history. Other planned exhibits included: "Maps of Connecticut or by Connecticut Engravers," "Prints by Connecticut Artists and of Connecticut Views" and "Books by Connecticut Authors."
The Sterling Memorial Library at Yale University had two exhibits planned: "Maps and Coins of Colonial New England," scheduled to be on display from May 15 to August 30, 1935, and "Connecticut Coins and Paper Currency" scheduled to run from September 1 to October 30, 1935.
A late August update to the program included a change to the Yale Library's exhibit schedule, with its "Connecticut Coins and Paper Currency" display featured as part of its
Colonial History Portrayed exhibit, which was set to run from September 1 through October 10 (vs. the previous October 30). The exhibit was also to include: "early manuscripts and proclamations; manuscripts of first editions by Connecticut leaders in religion and science...Yale University Bonds of early times; maps and coins of Colonial New England; i8th-Century Connecticut printing; early printed works dealing with history and description of the State; manuscripts and first editions of Connecticut authors; and material portraying the place of Yale men in State and National History."
So, a numismatic history fan had at least a few opportunities to delve into Connecticut's past in terms of coins and currency during the Tercentenary. I haven't yet found a listing of what coin/currency items were included in the various exhibits, but my search continues!
1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar
Also in addition to the commemorative coin was an official Tercentenary Medallion - you can learn more about it here:
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Connecticut Tercentenary MedalFor more of my topics on commemorative coins and medals, including more on the history of the Connecticut Tercentenary half dollar, see:
Commems Collection.
For more of my topics on the design of the Connecticut Tercentenary half dollar, see:
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Design Discussions - 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary.
Posted 07/08/2023 1:41 pm
