Celebrating the Founding of Connecticut 300 Years Ago
Reverend Thomas Hooker and John Haynes led about 100 people from Massachusetts to the Connecticut Valley in 1636, creating the settlement of Hartford. The settlers moved into an area previously explored by the Dutch, who had established a trading post near present-day Hartford. While Hartford was the primary 1636 settlement, it joined with two other existing English settlements: Windsor (established 1633) and Wethersfield (established 1634) to form the colony. Nearly 300 years later, the residents of Connecticut planned to celebrate their founding.
The Connecticut Tercentenary Commission sought a commemorative half dollar, like many other states had received, to honor the occasion and help defray the expenses of the planned celebration. The legislation was proposed, passed, and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Henry G. Kreis
After reviewing many local artists, the sculptor and prolific WPA (Works Progress Administration) artist Henry Kreis was selected to create a design that would embody the spirit of the Nutmeg State. Kreis was employed by federal relief programs that provided jobs to artists and commissioned art for public spaces, such as post offices, courthouses, and housing projects. Kreis, born in Germany, emigrated to the United States and became one of the most prolific WPA artists in history.
1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar Design Details
Kreis chose to depict the “Charter Oak” tree on the obverse. The legend is that Connecticut’s Royal Charter was hidden in that oak tree to save it from being confiscated by the English Governor-General. It typifies the State of Connecticut. Note that the Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins) identifies the Eagle side as the obverse. But the majority of dealers, the Grading Services, and this author identify the Charter Oak side as the obverse.
The tree is the dominant image, with oversized leaves that are clearly visible on the coin. Around the periphery above the oak are “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.” Below the oak is “THE CHARTER OAK”, “CONNECTICUT”, and “1635 – 1935”.
The reverse depicts his Art Deco-style eagle facing left with 13 faint five-pointed stars above the eagle, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” above, the denomination “HALF DOLLAR” below, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” to the left of the standing eagle.
Distribution Details
The legislation authorized 25,000 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollars, and of these, 15,000 were released initially, with the remaining 10,000 distributed later. These coins sold out quickly through a network of six Connecticut banks. The coins were shipped to the Hartford National Bank and Trust Company, which was the Commission’s distributing agent. The coins sold fairly quickly through the U.S. mail.
Six banks placed their coin allotments in small boxes labeled with their names, which were then distributed to coin purchasers. Add this coin to your collection and discover other U.S. classic silver commemorative coins today.
