Staying in the northeast for another day, tonight's offering is the half-dollar issued to mark the 300th anniversary of the founding of Rhode Island in 1636. The coin is represented by a Denver-struck example in
PCGS MS-65.
How many folks are aware that the official name of Rhode Island is the "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations"? Today's state is the result of the merger of several settlements/colonies that were all created in the name of religious and political tolerance. The two primary colonies were 1) Providence Plantations and 2) Rhode Island Plantation. The former was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, while the latter's roots are traceable to 1637 and the arrival of William Coddington and his wife Anne Hutchinson on Aquidneck Island (ultimately Rhode Island). Each of these founders left/were forced to leave the Massachusetts Bay Colony due to the religious and political intolerance they experienced while there.
Read More: Commems CollectionThe coin is the work of Newport, RI artists John Benson and Arthur Carey. The obverse features Roger Williams being greeted by a local Native American as he lands his canoe at the mouth of the Moshassuck River; Williams would found his settlement along the east bank of the river. The reverse of the coin depicts "the shield bearing the anchor of Hope" as seen on the state's Seal. These designs are simplifications of the original, text-heavy designs prepared by the same artists; the original attempts were rejected by the Commission of Fine Arts.
The coin has a net mintage of 50,000 with Philadelphia responsible for 20,000 coins and Denver and San Francisco striking 15,000 each. It is fairly easy to find a nice looking Rhode Island in high mint state grade (though ugly coins exist!), so a collector can be picky. The largest price differentials begin at the MS-66 level. My example is (once again) a flashy, white brilliant coin with a very attractive overall look. (My scan is showing color on the coin's reverse that is not visible to the naked eye -- not sure what's going on.)
In addition to the coin, I've also included a rather scarce piece of related ephemera -- a small leaflet/brochure promoting the commemorative half-dollar and providing ordering instructions. The ephemera I've shown with other coins so far is generally scarce, with maybe a couple hundred surviving examples (sometimes far fewer), but, in almost all cases, I've seen multiple examples. The flyer shown here is the only one I've ever come across (including in commemorative reference books and auction catalogs). Of course, for all I know, every coin store in Rhode Island has 10 available for immediate sale...
Enjoy!
1936 Rhode Island Tercentenary -- Obverse
1936 Rhode Island Tercentenary -- Reverse
1936 Rhode Island Tercentenary -- Flyer, Front (R) / Back (L)
1936 Rhode Island Tercentenary -- Flyer, Interior
Posted 04/21/2012 09:07 am
