1938 New Rochelle New York 250th Anniversary Commemorative Half Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1938 New Rochelle New York 250th Anniversary Commemorative Half Dollar is a United States commemorative half dollar. Issued in 1938 to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of New Rochelle, New York, in 1688 by Huguenot settlers who had fled religious persecution in France. Under the terms of their land grant from John Pell, the settlers agreed to pay an annual tribute of one fat calf — depicted prominently on the obverse. The obverse features a fat calf, based on the covenant between John Pell and the Huguenot settlers of New Rochelle in 1688, who agreed to pay one fat calf every year on June 24th as rent, while the reverse displays a fleur-de-lis, representing the French Huguenot heritage of New Rochelle, which was named after La Rochelle, France. Designed by Gertrude K. Lathrop. Weighing 12.5 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. The New Rochelle Half Dollar is the last classic commemorative half dollar produced before the 8-year hiatus in the program from 1939 to 1946. With a mintage of 15,266, it is moderately scarce. The 'fat calf' design by Gertrude K. Lathrop is among the most charming and whimsical in the series.
