1934 Maryland Tercentenary Half Dollar
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Purpose:
To commemorate the 300th anniversary of the founding of Maryland and fund the celebrations in the state.
Maximum Number Authorized: 25,000 pieces.
Sale Price: $1.00
Designs:
Obverse – Hans Schuler
Bust of Cecil Calvert, known as Lord Baltimore. His name appears below the bust.
Online Resource: https://coins.nd.edu/ColCoin/ColCoinIntros/Baltimore.intro.html
Reverse – Hans Schuler
The coat of arms of Maryland appears on the reverse of the coin. A full figure appears on each side of the coat of arms. One figure (with the spade) is Labor and the other is Fisheries. The state motto “FATTI MASCHII PAROLE FEMINE” is found on a ribbon beneath the arms. Translated, the motto says “Deeds are manly, words are womanly.” “MARYLAND TERCENTENARY” is located at the top of the coin.
Online Resource: https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Maryland
Popularity:
All 25,000 Maryland coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and all coins were eventually sold with some selling at a discount after the tercentenary celebration was over.
Maryland Tercentenary Online Resource: http://www.smcm.edu/175/2015/06/marylands-tercentenary-celebration/
Trivia:
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Cecil Calvert never traveled to America let alone the Province of Maryland.
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Calvert married Anne Arundell. Her name is familiar with Marylanders as a large county is named after her.
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In 2017, the Maryland General Assembly disavowed the motto translation saying that it really translates to “Strong Deeds, Gentle Words.”
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The official sport of Maryland is jousting.
For more information:
Encyclopedia of the Commemorative Coins of the United States by Anthony J. Swiatek
KWS Publishers (2012)
Commemorative Coins of the United States Identification and Price Guide by Anthony J. Swiatek
Amos Press Publishers (2001)
Lord Baltimore Founder of Maryland by J. Dennis Robinson
Published by Compass Point Books (1709)
References:
Encyclopedia of the Commemorative Coins of the United States by Anthony J. Swiatek
KWS Publishers (2012)
The Encyclopedia of United States Silver & Gold Commemorative Coins 1892 to 1954 by Anthony Swiatek and Walter Breen
Arco Publishing, Inc. (1981)