1936 50C Delaware MS66 Certification #34205858, PCGS #9301

David Hall

The Delaware commemorative half was struck to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Swedish colonists landing in Delaware, an event that took place in 1638. Strangely, the Delaware commems were dated 1936, struck in 1937, and sold in 1938. The original issue price was $1.75. Delawares were widely available in the numismatic market place through-out the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. today, Delawares are moderately scarce.

Of the 1936-1938 era commemoratives with similar mintages, the Delaware is similar in rarity to the Albany, Gettysburg, Lynchburg, and Maryland. It is rarer than the Antietam, Elgin, New Rochelle, Norfolk, Roanoke, Wisconsin, and York; and not quite as rare as the Connecticut and Robinson. Delawares often have a somewhat semi-prooflike appearance or a subdued frosty luster. The sails on the ship can get quite marked up so look for clean, well struck sails. Eye appeal will depend on the amount of luster and/or the attractiveness (or lack of) of the toning.