Q. David Bowers
More than any recent commemorative issue, the Huguenot-Walloon half dollar caused comment in pages of The Numismatist, which by that time was the only regularly-issued monthly numismatic publication (the American Journal of Numismatics having reverted to the irregular publication of specialized monographs). Despite spirited discussions in print about the inappropriateness of the portraits on the coin and the religious connection with the Churches of Christ in America, relatively little collector interest was stirred up, and it is presumed that sales to the numismatic fraternity amounted to just a few thousand pieces plus whatever quantities B. Max Mehl acquired in bulk for distribution to what he called his ever-growing "Mehling list."
Today examples of the 1924 Huguenot-Walloon half dollar are readily available. The typical specimen is apt to be graded in the MS-60 to MS-63 range with MS-64 pieces being readily obtainable as well. MS-65 coins are much scarcer. Relatively few worn pieces exist. Many examples show a mirrorlike bright spot at the upper left of the reverse field, the result of an inadvertent polishing of a tiny area of the die.
GRADING SUMMARY: Friction and contact marks are sometimes seen on the cheek of Admiral Coligny on the obverse and on the masts and ship's rigging on the reverse. Many coins have been cleaned or repeatedly dipped. Beware deeply toned or stained coins, many of which are in slabs with high numerical grades. Uncirculated coins usually have satiny (rather than deeply lustrous or frosty) surfaces and may have a gray appearance.
Commemorating: 300th anniversary of the establishment of New Netherland (New York)
by the Huguenots and Walloons in 1624
Obverse motif: Portraits of Admiral Coligny and Willliam the Silent
Reverse motif: Nieuw Nederland ship
Authorization date: February 26, 1923
Dates on coins: 1924 (also 1624)
Date when coins were actually minted: 1924
Mint used: Philadelphia
Maximum quantity authorized: 300,000
Total quantity minted (including assay coins): 142,080
Assay coins (included in above): 80
Quantity melted: None
Net number distributed (including assay coins): 142,080
Issued by: Huguenot-Walloon New Netherland Commission, Inc. 105 East 22nd Street, New York City, N.Y. (Miss Antonia H. Foendt, secretary; Dr. John Baer Stoudt, chairman); Fifth National Bank of New York (acting as the main distributor for the Commission), and other outlets.
Standard original packaging: Apparently, none
Official sale price: $1 (by 1929 undistributed coins were being offered by mail for $1.50 plus 2¢ postage)
Designer of obverse and reverse: George T. Morgan (with approval and modifications by James Earle Fraser)
Interesting fact: The two individuals depicted on the obverse of the coin had nothing to do with the event commemorated.
(average market prices)
1925 MS-63 $1
1930 MS-63 $1.50
1935 MS-63 $1.75
1936 (summer) MS-63 $4
1940 MS-63 $2
1945 MS-63 $4
1950 MS-63 $4
1955 MS-63 $8
1960 MS-63 $12
1965 MS-63 $22
1970 MS-63 $26
1975 MS-63 $50
1980 MS-63 $425
1985 MS-63 $260
1986 MS-60 $125, MS-63 $400, MS-64 $600, MS-65 $1,400
1990 (spring) MS-60 $110, MS-63 $180, MS-64 $480, MS-65 $2,400
1990 (December) MS-60 $86, MS-63 $125, MS-64 $290, MS-65 $1,500