How to Identify the Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary Half Dollar

What This Coin Is

The Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary Half Dollar was struck in 1924 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the settlement of Huguenot and Walloon refugees in New Netherland (the New York area). Designed by George T. Morgan, it is a single-year issue tied to the founding narrative of early Dutch colonial settlement rather than a U.S. state or president.

Obverse Design

The obverse features jugate busts of Admiral Gaspard de Coligny, a Huguenot leader, and William the Silent, Prince of Orange, who supported Protestant refugees. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arcs along the top, and "HALF DOLLAR" appears below the portraits, with "HUGUENOT" often near one edge of the design.

Reverse Design

The reverse depicts the ship Nieuw Nederland, the vessel associated with the Walloon settlers' voyage, under full sail. "HUGUENOT WALLOON TERCENTENARY" and the dates "1624-1924" surround the ship, along with "E PLURIBUS UNUM."

Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge

The coin is struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighs approximately 12.5 grams, measures about 30.6mm in diameter, and has a reeded edge, matching the standard specifications of classic U.S. commemorative half dollars.

Mint Marks and Where to Find Them

All Huguenot-Walloon halves were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and carry no mint mark, so there is no mint mark variation to look for on this single-mint issue.

Telling It Apart from Similar Coins

The jugate Coligny–William the Silent obverse and sailing ship reverse are unique to this coin, so it is unlikely to be confused with other commemoratives once its design elements are recognized. The main point of care is simply confirming the "1624-1924" dates and ship imagery, since several other commemoratives from the 1920s also use jugate double portraits.

Judging Condition at a Glance

On the obverse, check the cheeks, hair, and ruffled collars of both figures for wear. On the reverse, examine the ship's sails, rigging lines, and hull for crispness, since fine rigging detail is among the first things to blur with circulation. A coin retaining sharp, separated rigging lines and distinct facial features on the obverse indicates lighter wear.

Authenticity Red Flags

Be cautious of coins showing soft, indistinct rigging detail on the ship or blurred, doughy portrait features, both of which can indicate a cast counterfeit rather than a genuine struck coin. Confirm the coin's weight and diameter match standard specifications, and inspect the edge for consistent, machine-applied reeding. Unnaturally bright or uniformly colored toning that doesn't match the mottled, uneven patterns typical of century-old silver is also worth a closer look.