Numismatic

1936 Delaware Tercentenary Half BU

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In 1936, a special silver half dollar was created to mark the three hundredth anniversary of Swedish settlers arriving in Delaware. This coin, struck in 90 percent silver with a total precious metal content of 0.3617 troy ounces, showcases a unique design by Carl L. Schmitz, whose work won a competition for the commemorative issue. The Philadelphia Mint produced a limited run of just 25,015 of these pieces, which are preserved today in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. The obverse of the coin features a detailed depiction of the historic Old Swedes Church, a lasting monument to the early settlers. Surrounding this central image are the inscriptions "DELAWARE TERCENTENARY" and "1638 1938" to frame the anniversary years, alongside the traditional mottoes "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." On the reverse, the design shifts to the sea, presenting the Swedish colonization ship Kalmar Nyckel under full sail. The vessel is framed by the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "HALF DOLLAR." This side also carries the word "LIBERTY" and the date "1936," marking the actual year the coin was struck.