1938 50C New Rochelle Silver Commemorative PCGS MS66

The New Rochelle commemorative half dollar is a beautiful coin. Authorized in 1936, it was struck in 1937, and carries the date of 1938.

Writes David Hall, “it is a beautiful design and it is quite popular with collectors today. The original mintage was 25,015 coins and the issue price was a relatively high $2.00. [However, the net distribution was 15,266.] Apparently New Rochelles were subject to above average care in minting and handling as nearly all specimens are very high grade. The average grade is MS64 to MS66. Superb Gem MS67 specimens aren't really rare either.”

PCGS has graded 1,145 as MS66 with 401 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $475.00 in MS66.

A statue of Jacob Leisler on display in New Rochelle, New York. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

The Westchester County city of New Rochelle, New York, was established by Huguenots from La Rochelle, France, in 1688. The following year saw their agent, Jacob Leisler, purchase from John Pell a tract of land to the tune of 6,000 acres, upon which the city is now located. Among the conditions of the sale was that Leisler would present to Pell and his heirs “one fatt calfe” each year on June 24, and every year thereafter, if demanded. The obverse of this interesting coin presents John Pell with “one fatt calfe.” The reverse shows a Fleur de lis, a component from the city’s coat of arms and derived from the arms of La Rochelle, France.