Gold & Silver Forum - Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

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Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

http://www.coinsite.com/content/Comm...onnecticut.asp

I had first seen the 1927 Vermont Commemerative in my 2010 REDBOOK and really liked the Mountain Lion on the coin.

http://www.ngccoin.com/usercontent/i...65181-045r.jpg

Then started to have more intereest in the commemorative cins from that era. That's when I noticed the CT Tercentenary coin.

I was attracted to it's simple design and 2 striking images. The Charter Oak, which I had heard about from the Charter Oak Bridge without understanding it's significance, has terrific contrast on the coin.

Likewise the eagle is one of the most Stoic of all the eagle poses I have seen.

I also learned a new word lol... Tercentenary :15_1_70v:

I love how numismatics can educate you in so many ways!

Also in the article below it mentioned the "Freemen". Which I correlate to "Freemen on the Land" a topic of great interest to me as well.

Quote:

The earliest settlements in Connecticut were established by the Dutch about 1614. As in so many Dutch communities, English settlers soon came in sufficient numbers to dominate this region. No formal government existed until 1635 when John Winthrop the younger, armed with a patent from the Earl of Warwick (who had no legal authority to grant it), proclaimed himself governor of the region. [COLOR="blue"]He was ultimately recognized as such by the �freemen� of Connecticut, although the colony itself had no legal standing until 1662 when it was finally granted a royal charter by King Charles II.[/COLOR] The King�s successor, James II, sought to disband all of the old colonial divisions and declared a consolidated Dominion of New England, naming Sir Edmund Andros as its governor in 1686. Arriving in Hartford, Andros announced before a meeting of the General Court that he had come to sieze the royal charter, which was then in the room. Acting quickly, the proud citizens of Connecticut doused the lights, allowing Joseph Wadsworth to grab the precious document and flee the room. He secreted it within an ancient tree on Wyllys Hill, and this silent guardian was ever-afterward known as the Charter Oak. Frustrated in his attempt to gain control of Connecticut and the other obstinate colonies of New England, Andros was soon returned to the Motherland in chains following the overthrow of his patron, James II, in the �Glorious Revolution� of 1688. Connecticut would thereafter be an independent entity until joining the union of states a century later.

Anyway, Just wanted to share my numismatic adventure with the group.

I haven't taken possession of the coin yet so I'll post an image from On-line

http://images.pediaportals.com/konfu...llar,_1935.jpg

Basically that's it. A smattering of my thoughts and a couple pictures and a link. :23_30_104:

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

Amazing tale about "charter oak"

Thanks for the education :ok:

T

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

Your very welcome.

I love learning!

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

Man that's a killer coin. They don't make em like that anymore.

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

You guys better stop. There is no vaccine for the numis/silver combo bug.

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

Gosh It's LOVE at first sight - send it to me so I can really L@@K at it close-up LIKE - for KEEPS!

HS rubbing his grubby little hands to gether and saying, "My PRECIOUS!"

:36_3_16:

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dude (Post 2062675)

You guys better stop. There is no vaccine for the numis/silver combo bug.

That is a fact. I love them old commemms and if I were to seriousely try to complete any numismatic set that would be it. Of course I would have to "see" them lil pieces of silver for more than the $6 or $7 content. O and I would have to have deeeeeeeeep pockets, some of thems real spendy. I got my fix earlier this year when I hunted up a Columbian Exposition one for $.5o- I really liked finding it but it almost sent ME over the deep end. I like them all but my fave is the California one, fortunately the Engelhard Prospectors are cheaper LOL.
Here's a link yous might enjoy, lots of history about the individual coins. Caution: better charge up your willpower.
http://www.coincommunity.com/commemorative_histories/
HH all, Mark

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

I'm rather fond of the Stone mountain commerative.

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

I'm not familiar with the Stone Mountain one.

Despite my dislike for Texas, the Texas Independent Centennial has very nice

imagery with the likes of the Brittania (busty chick with wings) :signs14:

http://www.govmint.com/items_descrip...1679_inset.jpg

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

I'm gonna have to block this thread from view before I go out and buy one of them dam thangs. Maybe I'll find another one soon. HH Mark
BTW here's a link to the Stone Mountain. http://www.coincommunity.com/commemo...alf_dollar.asp

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

Quote:

Originally Posted by newmisty (Post 2063304)

That TEXAS coin is one of the MOST popular coins in US MINT history.

History student.

I have a one-pound copy from the copy mint company...
:bull-smile:

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

I certainly didn't know that. Thanks for enlightening me.

Are you aware of any other copies that were made of those early commemoratives?

Maybe I OUGHT to quit before I get in the thick of it!!! :ok: :biggrin:

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

The eagle on the coin in the op looks like the eagle on the gold ten dollar Indian head piece 1907-1932, which is probably my favorite coin!

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

Quote:

Originally Posted by newmisty (Post 2063304)

Holy smokes!!!!

What is the going rate for one of these puppies????

Sweet Mother Mary I gotta get one..

I need Details!!!!

T

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

Well, after taking possession of my first Commemorative coin, I'm already out looking for more, so be warned! :36_1_30:

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

Quote:

Originally Posted by newmisty (Post 2081004)

Well, after taking possession of my first Commemorative coin, I'm already out looking for more, so be warned! :36_1_30:

Looks like an MS-65 all the way!!!!!!! :emotions16::beer::clap2::applause_:coolbeer:

I'm holding out for the mint error three-legged Connecticut Turkey.

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twisted Avatar (Post 2081000)

Holy smokes!!!!

What is the going rate for one of these puppies????

Sweet Mother Mary I gotta get one..

I need Details!!!!

T

Info-

Quote:

Texas Centennial Half Dollar
�Remember the Alamo!� was the cry that spurred Texans on to ultimately defeat Mexico�s army and claim their independence as a republic. The tragic showdown at this humble mission yard in San Antonio became emblematic of the struggle for freedom and self-determination. Nearly a century later, the first in a series of coins celebrating this achievement was issued by the United States Mint. Spanning some five years, these coins eventually became a burden on collectors, who were obliged to purchase each additional issue to maintain the completeness of their sets. By the time the minting of these coins ceased, many hobbyists were quite prepared to forget the Alamo.

Since it was first touched by European exploration in 1528, with the brief visitation of Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, Texas was largely unknown to anyone but the natives until early in the 19th Century. By that time, Spain had established a few settlements in towns such as San Antonio, Nacodoches, Goliad and Laredo. These villages were originally intended to deter French encroachment from neighboring Louisiana, yet Spain�s colony of Mexico faced a new threat with the purchase of this vast territory by the infant United States of America in 1803. At first, the Spanish cautiously permitted a limited number of Yankees to immigrate to Texas. In 1821, Moses Austin negotiated an agreement with the Spanish governor to resettle 300 families in the region, most of these coming from the southern states. By the time they finally arrived in 1822, Moses Austin had died, and the settlers were now led by his son Stephen. Texas too had changed, as it was now under the rule of Mexico, that nation having just achieved its own independence from Spain after 300 years of Spanish dominion. Young Austin confirmed his father�s agreement with the new government of Mexico, and the Americans began to acquaint themselves with their new homeland. Soon, many more would arrive, and the Mexican authorities watched nervously at the growing majority of Yankees in Texas.

At first quite prepared to live as subjects of Mexico and abide by its laws, increasing restrictions on their liberty rankled at the Americans, and resentment grew. Open rebellion ensued in 1835, and the Texas/Americans declared their independence on March 2, 1836. Although the Texans achieved their freedom only after the far more significant Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, near Houston, it�s the heroic sacrifice at the Alamo that is celebrated in legend. There, just a few hundred rebels, including within their ranks a handful of Mexicans, occupied the mission and its surrounding yard, which had been hastily fortified. The Mexican Army, led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, laid siege to their garrison from February 24 to March 6, 1836. On that final day, the superior Mexican forces overran the fort and, despite taking heavy losses, defeated the rebels and secured the Alamo. Although a few escaped to report what had happened, some 187 Texans were killed, including the now-legendary figures of Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and William Travis.

Though Texas ultimately surrendered its hard-won independence to become one of the United States in 1845, then briefly seceded from the union in 1861 to join the Confederacy, it�s the date of 1836 which is closest to the hearts of Texans. As its centennial anniversary approached, a tremendous celebration was planned, which would culminate in the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition at Dallas. A bill enacted June 15, 1933 provided for the coining of souvenir half dollars to be sold as part of the centennial observation, the first commemorative coin legislation signed into law since 1928. Proceeds from the sale of these coins would assist in the erection of a memorial building.

Selected as sculptor for this coin was Pompeo Coppini. His models were approved by the American Legion Texas Centennial Committee in May of 1934, whereupon they were delivered to the federal Commission of Fine Arts by Coppini himself, accompanied by Texas Congressman W. O. McFarlane. All of the many elements seen on the coins as issued were already in place, though rendered in an extremely crude fashion. The response by Commission Chairman Charles Moore to Under-Secretary of the Treasury L. W. Robert was unfavorable, to say the very least:

�The design shows the whole history of Texas and all its leading personages in a perfect hodgepodge. The heads are so small that they will disappear on a 50-cent piece and yet it is just this conglomeration on which the Texas people are relying to see 25 cents worth of silver done into a 50-cent piece at the price of a dollar . . .�

The Commission�s sculptor member, Lee Lawrie, suggested numerous changes to be made, including a comment that the slumping, vulture-like eagle �be designed to have dignity and spirt.� Coppini was understanding, but Congressman McFarlane grew impatient with any delays, as the coins were wanted well in advance of the actual centennial in 1936. Lawrie wrote to him with reassuring words to the effect that Coppini could make the desired changes and still retain the spirit of the original work. This seemed to satisfy all parties, as the revised models were approved by the Commission of Fine Arts on June 25, 1934.

Pompeo Coppini�s models were then approved by the Treasury Department before being sent to Medallic Art Company of New York City for reduction to hubs. The first installment of an authorized coinage of up to 1,500,000 pieces was produced during October and November of 1934 at the Philadelphia Mint. These were sold at $1 apiece by the American Legion Texas Centennial Committee. Although 205,113 pieces were coined with the 1934 date (the odd 113 were reserved for assay and later destroyed), sales lagged, and the Committee opted to return most of the unsold remainder in exchange for new halves dated 1935 and coined at all three mints. This obvious sales gimmick was the first in a series of abuses that resulted in three-coin sets being produced for each subsequent year through 1938. In August of that year, an advertisement appeared in The Numismatist announcing that existing supplies of Texas halves would be returned to the U. S. Mint for melting after November 1, 1938 and that no more would be coined. The ad went on to say that collectors were urged to complete their sets before it was too late.

A couple of years earlier, the Texas Centennial Committee had turned over the sales of these coins to another group called the Texas Memorial Museum Centennial Coin Committee, which was under the guidance of General Chairman Beauford H. Jester. Though its exploitation of the commemorative coin privilege was deplored by collectors, to its credit this committee did ultimately erect the promised memorial museum at the University of Texas in Austin.

Texas halves frequently show a lack of fullness in their central details. Specifically, Victory�s breasts, her hand, and parts of the branch and drapery at her thigh and knee may be slightly flattened. Satiny luster is the rule for this issue, although it may range from dull all the way to blazingly brilliant. Many of the 1934 coins were sold to the general public were mishandled. Later coins were more likely to enter numismatic channels and are generally better preserved. Look for the first signs of wear on the eagle�s knee and breast and on Victory�s eyebrow and knee.

Some 50 1935-D halves were coined as presentation pieces and show highly polished, prooflike obverse fields (the eagle side); their reverses will be only partially prooflike. These are quite rare and were issued in gold foil-covered boxes with a green velour lining. The underside of the box lid is imprinted TEXAS INDEPENDENCE CENTENNIAL, COMPLIMENTS OF E.H.R. GREEN. �Colonel� Green was a multi-millionaire and hoarder of rare coins until his death in 1936. Another 50 sets of the three 1935-dated halves were presented by Green in silver-foil boxes with a black velour lining; while the boxes are rare, the coins contained therein are ordinary strikes. Most Texas halves, however, were delivered in generic cardboard holders which have little value to collectors. Some of the 1934 halves were sold in plain, small envelopes or without any container at all.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Weight: 12.5 grams
Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper
Edge: Reeded
Net Weight: .36169 ounce pure silver

Here is the one pound version that History Student mentioned.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ONE-POUND-SILVER...item4a9d05219c

Slabbed-

http://cgi.ebay.com/1937-PCGS-Texas-...item3efb3820c1

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

Funny thing is I bought a CUSTOM BOX (like it looks like A sterling silver FLATWARE case) of 12 large coins (of 1/2 pound I believe) of the Silver Eagles for 11 years and a gold top copy of a Saint Gaudens - which later on I found another and bought it too.

So when they came out with the UHR... figure it out.

Anyway there are a number of large silver coins out there that EMULATE the 1986 to 1996 SILVER EAGLES only they are HUGE.

I have an extra box full somewhere.

Above my SONY big screen I have a huge 2 X 3 foot grading chart of Saint Gaudens that I framed.

If you do NOT have a UHR ....

BEG borrow steal enough to get one from the mint in the next two weeks.

Best wishes

HS

if you got one get another got 2 get 3 got 4 get 5 ---

so on and so on... :ok::111:

This coin is the original Saint Gaudens copy of the two coins in the Smithsonian worth 2 million each... get one...

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

Quote:

This coin is the original Saint Gaudens copy of the two coins in the Smithsonian worth 2 million each... get one

I know...I can't yet get over the pricing though. I bought in at $800+ and had to convince myself to splurge at that time.

I'd love an 09 Buff, and really like the UHR but unless a windfall blows several grand my way, I'm outta luck!

Re: Bought a 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

Quote:

Originally Posted by hydro (Post 2081081)

Looks like an MS-65 all the way!!!!!!! :emotions16::beer::clap2::applause_:coolbeer:

I'm holding out for the mint error three-legged Connecticut Turkey.

Well, the back is in better shape than the front which has a bit of spotting on it. I rubbed it with a cloth and some came off but it's hidden in the picture due to the flash.

G/L with your "turkey hunt" I'll let you know if I run accross one.