1935 50C Hudson Silver Commemorative PCGS MS66 (CAC)

Hudson Commemorative half dollars are highly prized by collectors, especially in Gem condition. The typical Hudson coin grades MS63 to MS65. PCGS has graded 338 as MS66 with 99 finer. Collector’s Universe prices this issue at $1,450.00 in MS66. In CAC, there are 119 in MS66 with 16 finer. CAC gives this issue a price of $1,500.00 in MS66.

Today in the 21^st century, the Hudson half dollar is among the scarcities of the extensive Classic Commemorative series. In its day, this issue was subject to controversy and abuse in its distribution. The striking of the coin commemorated the 150th anniversary of the founding of the small city of Hudson, New York, with a population of just 14,000 in 1935. This could be considered an obscure historical event to honor with a coin.

The initial price of the coin was $1 each, however it was rumored that one dealer had bought 7,500 of the original 10,008 mintage at the price of 95 cents apiece. Writes David Hall, “He (or someone) apparently held the hoard off the market as prices in the aftermarket soon reached $9. Collectors were outraged, but this was a situation often repeated in the 1934-1939 commemorative era.”

Warren Street in Hudson, New York. Photo: Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.