How to Identify the Long Island Tercentenary Half Dollar
A 1936 silver commemorative marking 300 years since the first Dutch settlement on Long Island, identified by its jugate Dutch settler and Native American obverse and a Dutch ship reverse.
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What This Coin Is
The Long Island Tercentenary Half Dollar was struck in 1936 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the first European settlement on Long Island, New York. Designed by Howard Kenneth Weinman, it is a single-year issue from the busy mid-1930s period when many U.S. commemorative half dollars were authorized for local and regional anniversaries.
Obverse Design
The obverse depicts jugate profiles of a Dutch settler and a Native American, facing right, symbolizing the meeting of the two cultures at the time of settlement. "LONG ISLAND" appears above the portraits, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "HALF DOLLAR" completing the legend around the rim.
Reverse Design
The reverse shows a Dutch sailing vessel (a Dutch ship, reflecting the settlers' arrival) with "IN GOD WE TRUST" nearby, and the inscriptions "LONG ISLAND TERCENTENARY" along with the dates "1636-1936" surrounding the design.
Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge
The coin is struck in standard 90% silver, 10% copper composition, weighs about 12.5 grams, measures roughly 30.6mm in diameter, and has a reeded edge.
Mint Marks and Where to Find Them
All Long Island Tercentenary half dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and carry no mint mark. This is a single-mint issue, so there is no mint mark variation relevant to identifying the coin.
Telling It Apart from Similar Coins
The dual-profile Dutch settler and Native American obverse is distinctive and specific to this issue, differing from other jugate commemoratives that typically pair two named historical figures rather than symbolic representative figures. The sailing ship reverse combined with "1636-1936" dating confirms the identification.
Judging Condition at a Glance
On the obverse, check the cheek and hair detail of both profile figures for softness. On the reverse, examine the ship's hull, sail, and rigging lines for crispness, since fine linear details wear down first. A coin with clearly separated rigging lines and sharp facial profiles indicates lighter circulation wear, while blending of these features signals a more heavily worn coin.
Authenticity Red Flags
Be alert to blurred or overly smooth rigging and sail detail on the reverse or doughy, indistinct facial features on the obverse, both of which can point to a cast counterfeit rather than a genuinely struck coin. Confirm standard weight, diameter, and consistent, evenly spaced reeding on the edge. As with other classic commemoratives, unnaturally even or artificially bright toning is a red flag compared to the varied, natural patina expected on a coin of this age.
Frequently asked questions
What event does the Long Island Tercentenary half dollar mark?
The 300th anniversary, in 1936, of the first European settlement on Long Island, New York.
Who is shown on the obverse?
Jugate profiles of a Dutch settler and a Native American, symbolizing the two cultures present at the time of settlement, rather than specific named individuals.
Does this coin have a mint mark?
No, it was struck only at the Philadelphia Mint and carries no mint mark.
What is shown on the reverse?
A Dutch sailing ship, along with the inscription LONG ISLAND TERCENTENARY and the dates 1636-1936.
How do I judge this coin's condition?
Look at the facial profile detail on the obverse and the ship's rigging lines on the reverse; sharper detail indicates less wear.