Numismatic

1938 New Rochelle, New York Half Dollar MS-64 PCGS

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This silver half dollar from 1938 tells a fascinating story of early American land transactions. The front of the coin portrays John Pell alongside a young calf. This specific imagery references the original agreement for the purchase of the land that became New Rochelle, New York, which required the annual presentation of a fattened calf as part of the transaction terms. On the reverse side, the design showcases a elegant fleur-de-lis, a nod to the French roots of the settlement. Although the sculptor Lorrilard Wise was the initial choice for this project, the task was ultimately handed to Gertrude K. Lathrop, an artist who already possessed a proven track record of creating beautiful coins and medals. Struck with a silver content of 0.3617 troy ounces, this piece is composed of 90 percent silver. It represents a limited production run, with the United States Mint striking only 15,266 of these commemorative pieces. This particular specimen has been certified in Mint State 64 (MS-64), preserving the crisp details of Lathrop's artistic vision.