1936 Long Island Tercentenary Half Dollar (NGC MS62) (311006)

While this 1936 Long Island Half Dollar might appear as just another commemorative coin, it marks a moment of profound significance in American history—the 300th anniversary of the first European settlement on Long Island. What makes this commemorative special is the story it tells of the early colonial period, a time when the foundations of modern America were being laid.

In 1636, Dutch settlers established the first European settlement on Long Island, a pivotal moment in the expansion of European influence in the New World. This coin commemorates that historic beginning, paying tribute to the rich cultural and historical legacy that has shaped Long Island over the centuries. The imagery on the coin depicts the blending of two histories: the obverse features the heads of a Native American and a European settler, symbolizing the meeting of the indigenous peoples and the new settlers. The reverse shows a traditional Dutch sailing ship, a nod to the early voyages that brought Europeans to these shores.

Struck in 1936, during the height of the Great Depression, this coin is not just a marker of past history—it also served as a symbol of resilience and reflection for a nation navigating its own economic struggles. The Long Island Tercentenary celebrated the endurance of the American spirit, echoing the perseverance of those early settlers who carved out a new life on unknown shores.

Key Features and Highlights:

• Struck in 1936 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the first European settlement on Long Island
• NGC graded MS62, offering collectors an affordable yet well-preserved piece of American history
• The obverse features dual portraits representing the Native American and European settler, symbolizing the meeting of two worlds
• The reverse depicts a Dutch sailing ship, a tribute to the voyages that carried settlers to the New World