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1836 M.T Republica Peruana
8 Reales

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The 1936 Norfolk commemorative half dollar marks the 300th anniversary of the 1636 land grant that led to the founding of the Village of Norfolk, as well as the 200th anniversary of the 1736 establishment of the Borough of Norfolk, VA.

Its obverse presents the modified version of the Seal of the City of Norfolk, VA at its center; the modification was adopted in 1913. The coin's reverse features the Royal Mace of Norfolk, which is topped with a stylized copy of the British Crown (it appears to have been modeled after the St. Edwards Crown). While it might not be atop a monarch's head, it does still represent the British Crown!

The 1936 Norfolk's depiction of the British Crown is the second (and last) presentation of the British Crown on a classic US commemorative coin - the Coat of Arms on the reverse of the 1934 Maryland Tercentenary half dollar preceded it. The 1893 Isabella Quarter with the Spanish Crown atop Isabella's head was the first Royal crown to appear on a US commemorative coin.

Norfolk Royal Mace


From the City of Norfolk web site: "On April 1, 1754, the same Robert Dinwiddie, now Royal Lt. Governor of Virginia, presented Norfolk with a silver ceremonial mace. Originally maces were weapons made of heavy metals used to protect nobility. Although still a symbol of authority, Norfolk's mace is completely ceremonial. Over its lengthy history the mace has been hidden, lost and found again." For an informative timeline of the mace's history, see: Norfolk's Historic Mace and Seal.

1936 Norfolk Bicentennial/Tricentennial Half Dollar





You can learn more about the Norfolk half dollar here:

- 1936 Norfolk, VA Bicentennial / Tricentennial
- 1936 Norfolk, VA Bicentennial / Tricentennial - Original Models vs. Final Coins
- "Thanks! But No Thanks!" - The Norfolk Medal
- Raleigh's Portrait - Raleigh Coin's Design Team


For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, see: Read More: Commems Collection.

The smallest British Crown included on a classic-era US commemorative coin is the one found atop the Maryland Coat of Arms (CofA) on the reverse of the 1934 Maryland Tercentenary half dollar. Actually, there are two in the Coat of Arms - but it's easy to miss them on the coin!

The Maryland CofA traces its roots to the family crest created by Sir George Calvert, First Lord Baltimore, early in the 17th century. The crest combined the colors of his father's family (black and gold) with the colors of his mother's family (red and white). Patterns incorporating the colors of each were placed on a shield in alternating quadrants. The shield was topped with an earl's coronet (crown), upon which is seen a a helmet with a small crown topping it. The shield's left supporter is a plowman/farmer holding a shovel and the one on the right is a fisherman holding a fish. At the bottom, on a ribbon, is inscribed the Calvert family (and Maryland) motto, Fatti maschii, parole femine which Maryland now officially translates as "Strong deeds, gentle words." (Previous politically-incorrect translations included, "Manly deeds, womanly words.")

In addition to the crowns, the farmer and sailor supporters each are wearing a hat typical for their job/trade.

So, small though they may be, two British crowns appear on the Maryland Tercentenary commemorative half dollar courtesy of the Calvert/Maryland Coat of Arms.


Maryland Coat of Arms



1934 Province of Maryland Tercentenary Half Dollar





You can learn more about the Maryland coin here:

- 1934 Maryland Tercentenary
- 1934 Maryland Tercentenary - Revisited
- Hans Schuler and the Maryland Tercentenary

Other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals can be found here: Read More: Commems Collection.

1847 A-B Canton of Geneva
10 centimes.

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