Numismatic

1936 Norfolk Bicentennial Half Commem BU

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This silver half dollar, minted in 1936, celebrates a dual milestone in the history of Norfolk, Virginia. The coin was authorized to help fund celebrations marking the transition of Norfolk from a 1682 township into a royal borough in 1736. Struck in 90 percent silver with a precious metal weight of 0.3617 troy ounces, this piece offers a fascinating glimpse into early American civic pride. The obverse of the coin displays the official Seal of the City of Norfolk. At the center of this detailed design is a three-masted ship under sail, surrounded by Latin inscriptions and the dates 1682 and 1936. The text on this side includes the phrase "CRESCAS MARE ET CIVITAS" alongside "BOROUGH OF NORFOLK" and "VIRGINIA." On the reverse, the coin features the Royal Mace of Norfolk, a historic staff of office given to the city by Lieutenant Governor Dinwiddie in 1753. This side also displays the denomination "HALF DOLLAR" and the traditional national mottos "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." This Brilliant Uncirculated coin stands as a beautifully preserved monument to colonial heritage and early twentieth-century commemorative design.