Lot 1591
1938 New Rochelle Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-67. CAC Approved PQ. Well struck and lightly toned. Pop 152; 7 finer, 5 in 67+, 2 in 68 (PCGS # 9335) .
Background on the New Rochelles: This coin was the brainchild of the Westchester County Coin Club, but was distributed through a bank in New Rochelle as it was considered that if a coin club did it, there might be complaints of profiteering. The focal point was an anniversary of the founding of New Rochelle in 1688, 250 years earlier. The motifs were designed by Gertrude K. Lathrop, whose other accomplishments included the earlier offered Albany half dollar.
These pieces were handled carefully after striking, with the result that today high grades are the rule, not the exception, in dynamic contrast with, for example, the 1923-S Monroe Doctrine. Nearly all New Rochelle half dollars are what we would call MS-64 or finer. Such differences in the method of handling and distribution account for the availability of certain pieces today at various grade levels and are worth understanding if such is of interest. While some citizens of New Rochelle purchased these, by and large most went into strong numismatic hands.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300.
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| Realized $1,323 |
