1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar
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Purpose:
To commemorate the 300th anniversary of the founding of Connecticut and to fund projects sponsored by the Connecticut Tercentenary Commission.
Maximum Number Authorized: 25,000 pieces.
Sale Price: $1.00
Designs:
Obverse – Henry Kreiss
The Charter Oak based on a painting by Charles Brownell. The words “THE CHARTER OAK” are found in the lower right field beneath the branches of the trees. “CONNECTICUT” is below the tree and above the 1635-1935 date.
Online Resource: https://connecticuthistory.org/connecticuts-the-legend-of-the-charter-oak/
Reverse – Henry Kreiss
An eagle standing on a rocky mound. Thirteen stars surround the eagle.
Popularity:
The Connecticut half dollar sold well. Of the 25,000 minted for sale, none were returned to be melted.
Connecticut Tercentenary Celebration Online Resource:
https://www.ctexplored.org/celebrating-connecticuts-founding/
Trivia:
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The Charter Oak fell during a violent storm in 1856. Chairs, desks and other items were made from the wood of the Charter Oak.
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According to tradition, the Connecticut Royal Charter of 1662 was hidden in a hollow section of the tree’s trunk to prevent confiscation from governor-general Sir Edmund Andros.
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A three cent stamp depicting the Charter Oak was issued in 1935.
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)
The Story of the Charter Oak by Colin Simkin
Published by Hartford, USA (1938)
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)