Commems Collection Classic: 1935 Hudson, NY Sesquicentennial - Historical Tidbits

Here are a few brief tidbits about the 1935 Hudson, NY Sesquicentennial Half Dollar...


Tidbit #1

In early June 1935, Hudson, New York Mayor Frank W. Wise received word from Representative Philip Arnold Goodwin (R-NY) - the coin's sponsor in Congress - that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had signed the Hudson coin bill into law; he signed the bill on May 2, 1935). The update was published in many contemporary newspapers to inform anxious collectors of the coin's status. Large numbers of collectors had been contacting the Mayor's Office about the coin's availability.


Tidbit #2

The 1935 Hudson Sesquicentennial Half Dollar was struck at the United States ("US") Mint in Philadelphia in June 1935. By early July, it was announced that the issue had sold out. By mid-July 1935, it was being reported that the retail price of the Hudson half dollar was advancing quickly among coin dealers. The half dollar had been available for $1.00 when issued, but was being advertised at $2.00 (and up!) among many coin dealers about a month later - a 100% (or more) price increase!

Rumors were also circulating at the time that one (or more) coin dealers had made significant bulk purchases of the coin from its sponsor which prevented many collectors from obtaining one at issue price - collectors complained!

See 1935 Hudson, NY Sesquicentennial - Julius Guttag for more about such dealer purchases.


Tidbit #3

In regards to the quickly advancing retail price of the Hudson half dollar, noted numismatic author - Stuart Mosher - reported (in September 1935) that "Wiser collectors know that 10,000 coins is more than enough to go around and are quietly waiting for them to reappear in the coin market."

He was partly correct with his forecast. Prices did settle down for the Hudson coin, but they did not retreat back to the issue price - market manipulation by coin dealers prevented the coin's price from dropping too low. Today, the coin is considered one of the keys to a Type Set of US classic-era commemorative coins and maintains a premium price in the market.


Tidbit #4

Mosher also reported that the Hudson half dollar depicted "the two great gods of the sea." I count one - Neptune - the Roman god of the sea who is shown riding a whale. I wouldn't classify the mermaid depicted as a "great god". But that's me! Maybe Mosher did!


1935 Hudson, NY Sesquicentennial Half Dollar



For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including other US classic-era commemorative coin Tidbits,see: Commems Collection