1935 Hudson New York Sesquicentennial Commemorative Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1935 Hudson New York Sesquicentennial Commemorative Half Dollar is a United States commemorative half dollar. Issued in 1935 to mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of the city of Hudson, New York, in 1785. The coin depicts Henry Hudson's famous ship, the Half Moon, which sailed up the river in 1609 during Hudson's search for the Northwest Passage. The city was founded by Nantucket whalers who settled on the banks of the Hudson River. The obverse features henry Hudson's ship, the Half Moon, under full sail, representing Hudson's 1609 exploration of the river that bears his name, while the reverse displays the seal of the City of Hudson, New York, featuring Neptune seated on a whale, with a mermaid holding a trident. Designed by Chester Beach. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. The Hudson Half Dollar had a low mintage of just 10,008 pieces, making it one of the scarcer classic commemoratives. The unusual combination of the Half Moon and Neptune-on-a-whale designs makes it one of the most distinctive coins in the series.