1938 50C New Rochelle (Special Strike)

Special presentation strikings of the 1938 New Rochelle Half Dollar were struck with a single impression of polished dies on polished blanks, giving the coins a distinctive finish and bringing out more detail. This is particularly noticeable in the midrib (the center line running through the upper petals), however, at the highest point of relief, the intended line remains blunted.

These “Special Strikes” were packaged along with a sterling silver medal—reportedly produced by Tiffany & Co., though not bearing its hallmark—and housed in a dark-red, velvet-lined box. In each box was a certificate indicating the coin’s emission sequence. The medal’s design is based on Lorrilard Wise’s rejected reverse, depicting the city seal and the dual dates 1688–1938. On the medal's reverse, the inscription reads: PRESENTED TO WESTCHESTER COIN CLUB BY 250TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE, NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. JUNE-1938.

Two versions of the medal exist, distinguishable by the spelling of the motto on the ribbon below the shield. On the Type I version (#655391), the motto is correctly spelled "NUNQUAM RETROSUM" (Never backward), while the Type II (#911862) features the incorrect spelling: "MUNQUAM RETROSUM." Using deductive reasoning, it is likely that the initial emission sequence consisted of the Type II medals. Once the misspelling was noticed, the medals were restruck with the corrected Type I dies. Both types remain exceedingly rare.

An article published by APMEX in 2022 includes a photograph of a medal in a red, velvet-lined box. Visible on the inside of the lid is part of a printed inscription that reads: NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. Oct. 18, 1938. By all appearances, this packaging differs from the presentation boxes used for the 50 Specimen Strikes issued to VIPs.

Twenty years after it was issued, one specific example—the eighth issued presented to American Numismatic Association librariarian and Westchester Coin Club co-founder William S. Dewey—appeared at Abe Kosoff's 1958 ANA Convention Auction (Lot 1707), where it was described:

1938 Special Proof Half Dollar of the New Rochelle Commemorative issue, struck in very limited number and presented by the 250th Anniversary Committee to the Westchester County Coin Club, recognized (sic) the Club's status as originator of the diea. A Sterling Medal, handsomly engraved goes with it in a special box. The pair—very rare.

These sets remain exceptionally rare, and visual records of them are elusive. Notably, no example was photographed for Anthony Swiatek’s Encyclopedia of the Commemorative Coins of the United States (2012), nor was one plated for either edition of the Swiatek/Breen Encyclopedia of United States Silver & Gold Commemorative Coins (widely considered one of the more interesting, yet flawed, pieces of numismatic literature to emerge from the 1980s).

Collecting the 1938 New Rochelle Half Dollar Specimen Strike

Prooflike early strikings of the 1938 New Rochelle Half Dollar exist, which means PCGS certification is a must. Since PCGS began certifying Specimen Strikes in July 2015, nearly 30 examples have been placed in our holders. These range from fully brilliant to examples with various degrees of toning. While mishandled specimens exist, the typical example was well cared for and survives in Superb Gem condition.

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