Numismatic

1936 Rhode Island Half Dollar MS-66 NGC

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This 1936 United States silver half dollar commemorates a pivotal moment in colonial history, marking three centuries since the establishment of Providence, Rhode Island. Minted with a purity of 90 percent silver, this coin contains 0.3617 troy ounces of precious metal. With a limited mintage of just 15,010 pieces, this specific specimen is certified in exceptional Mint State 65 condition, preserving its intricate details for modern observers. The obverse of the coin illustrates the historic arrival of Roger Williams, who is shown navigating a canoe and being greeted by a Native American on the shore. This imagery recalls the events of 1636, following Williams' banishment from Massachusetts the previous year. He founded the new settlement of Providence specifically to serve as a haven for religious freedom. The design was collaborative, created by the artistic partnership of John Howard Benson and Arthur Graham Carey. On the reverse, the coin displays the Anchor of Hope, a powerful regional symbol paired with a shield and decorative mantling. This official commemorative issue, backed by the United States Mint, offers a tangible connection to early American ideals of liberty and refuge.