1936 Albany Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$20,125 MS68 03-25-2004 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1936 Albany Half Dollar is a commemorative half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint. With a mintage of 17,671, this is a scarce commemorative issue. Struck in 1936 to mark the 250th anniversary of the granting of Albany's city charter by Governor Thomas Dongan in 1686. The obverse features a beaver gnawing on a maple branch, representing the fur trade that was central to Albany's founding and early economy, while the reverse displays Governor Thomas Dongan, Mayor Pieter Schuyler, and Robert Livingston standing together, representing the granting of Albany's city charter in 1686. Designed by Gertrude K. Lathrop. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #9227. With a mintage of 17,671, the Albany Charter Half Dollar is a scarce one-year issue. The beaver obverse by sculptor Gertrude K. Lathrop is praised for its naturalistic detail and is considered one of the finest animal designs in the commemorative series.