The Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar is a commemorative coin minted by the United States in 1936 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of the first European settlement in Delaware. This coin not only marks a historic milestone in American colonial history but also reflects the artistic style and numismatic practices of its time. With its distinctive design, limited mintage, and rich symbolism, the Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar remains a prized piece among collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Understanding its origin, design, and legacy provides insight into how America honored its early settlements through numismatics.
Historical Background
The Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar was created to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Swedish settlement at Fort Christina, near what is now Wilmington, Delaware. In 1638, Swedish colonists established New Sweden, one of the earliest European colonies in North America. Though the colony was short-lived and later absorbed by the Dutch, its legacy persisted in local culture, especially in Delaware, where Swedish roots remained influential.
Purpose of the Commemoration
In the 1930s, the United States was actively producing commemorative coins to mark historical events and anniversaries. The Delaware Tercentenary was seen as an ideal opportunity to celebrate Swedish-American heritage and recognize Delaware’s colonial beginnings. With approval from Congress, a special coin was authorized and minted by the U.S. Mint in 1936.
Design and Symbolism
The coin’s design is notable for its artistic simplicity and historical representation. Both the obverse and reverse feature symbolic images that reflect the early colonial period and Swedish influence on Delaware’s history.
Obverse Design
The obverse side of the Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar displays a detailed portrait of Peter Minuit, the first governor of New Sweden and a significant figure in colonial American history. He is shown clasping hands with a Native American, symbolizing peaceful relations and the purchase of land for the colony.
- Portrait of Peter Minuit
- Handshake symbolizing diplomacy
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR inscriptions
This side of the coin emphasizes cooperation and the founding act that led to the Swedish settlement in Delaware, reinforcing the coin’s commemorative purpose.
Reverse Design
The reverse of the coin features the Kalmar Nyckel, the ship that brought Swedish settlers to the New World in 1638. The vessel is depicted under full sail, riding the waves, capturing the spirit of exploration and transatlantic migration.
- Kalmar Nyckel in motion
- Inscriptions include DELAWARE TERCENTENARY and 16381938
- Mint mark (if any) indicating production origin
The imagery of the ship connects directly with the historical journey and emphasizes the pioneering aspect of the colonists who traveled to an unknown land to establish a new home.
Mintage and Distribution
The Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar was minted in 1936, although the event it commemorated technically occurred in 1938. This discrepancy was due to planning and political efforts that secured authorization and production ahead of the actual anniversary date.
Limited Mintage
Approximately 25,000 coins were minted, a relatively small number that has made the coin a sought-after collectible. Most of these coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and distributed through local banks and historical societies in Delaware. Some were sold to the public at a premium to fund the tercentenary celebrations.
- Total minted: about 25,015 coins
- Philadelphia Mint no mint mark
- Original sale price: $1.50 per coin
Not all coins were sold, and some were returned to the Mint and subsequently melted, making surviving examples even more valuable today.
Collectors’ Appeal
Among coin collectors, the Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar is admired for its historical value, low mintage, and classic design. It belongs to a broader category of early 20th-century commemorative coins that honored specific events in American history.
Grading and Condition
The value of the coin depends heavily on its condition. Uncirculated coins with minimal wear are far more valuable than those that circulated or were damaged. Collectors use grading standards to evaluate quality, including:
- MS-65 and above: Mint State, excellent condition with sharp details
- AU (About Uncirculated): Light wear on high points
- XF (Extremely Fine): Slight wear but all design elements visible
High-grade examples of the Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar are relatively rare and can command significant prices in auctions and numismatic markets.
Legacy and Significance
Though the coin commemorates a relatively lesser-known chapter of American colonial history, its importance lies in how it highlights cultural diversity in the early formation of the United States. The Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar honors Swedish contributions to American development and the spirit of early settlers who laid the foundation for future states.
Educational and Cultural Impact
Besides its value to collectors, the coin has educational significance. It serves as a teaching tool about Delaware’s history, colonial interactions with Native Americans, and the migration of Europeans to the New World. Cultural institutions and museums sometimes display the coin as part of broader exhibitions on early American colonization and numismatics.
The Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar stands as a tribute to the enduring legacy of the 1638 Swedish settlement in Delaware and the broader colonial history of America. With its rich symbolism, artistic design, and limited mintage, it remains a meaningful piece for collectors and historians alike. Whether valued for its numismatic beauty or for the story it tells about America’s diverse origins, the coin is a timeless reminder of the people and events that helped shape one of the original thirteen colonies.