1938 New Rochelle, New York 250th Anniversary. MS-68 (PCGS).This is a gorgeous Superb Gem New Rochelle half dollar with pastel central toning that yields to even more vivid patination in isolated peripheral areas. Soft satin luster is evident throughout, and the surfaces are expertly preserved and virtually pristine. A delight to behold, we anticipate an exceptionally strong realized price for this amazing coin.The Westchester County community of New Rochelle sought to commemorate the upcoming sestercentennial of its founding in 1688 on the land owned by John Pell. Unlike with the Long Island Tercentenary Committee, the Westchester County Coin Club began lobbying for the coin a full two years before the celebrations were to take place. The authorization to produce 25,000 examples came on May 5, 1936 and this forethought proved to be fortuitous. The designs produced by the artist who was originally selected were found to be unimpressive and a new designer, Gertrude Lathrop, was chosen to redesign this half dollar. The resultant elegant design was approved and the officially sanctioned 25,000 pieces were struck in April 1937, even though the coins all bore a 1938 date. The coins were sold at $2 each primarily via mail order and proved to be moderately successful despite a glut of commemorative coins at the time, with a final total of 15,251 coins distributed. Fortunately, most of these coins ended up with numismatists who generally handled their charges with considerable care. Even so, this type is rare at the top of the Condition Census, where examples at above the MS-68 level are of the utmost rarity and desirability. Aesthetically pleasing and exceptionally well preserved, this is a coin that has much to offer.
