1937 Roanoke Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$46,000 MS68 02-01-2005 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1937 Roanoke Half Dollar is a commemorative half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint. With a mintage of 29,030, this is a scarce commemorative issue. Struck in 1937 to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the Roanoke Island colony in 1587 — the famous 'Lost Colony' that vanished without a trace. The obverse features a bust of Sir Walter Raleigh facing left, who sponsored the English expeditions to Roanoke Island in the 1580s, while the reverse displays Eleanor Dare holding her infant daughter Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World, in 1587. Designed by William Marks Simpson. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #9367. With a mintage of 29,030, the Roanoke Half Dollar is moderately available. The mystery of the Lost Colony — which disappeared between 1587 and 1590, leaving only the word CROATOAN carved on a post — makes this one of the most intriguing subjects in the commemorative series.