Coin Challenge Answers - Calf

Are you sure you are ready to check to see if you know which coin contains the calf fighting the rope attached to its halter?

Do you recognize the coin?

This coin, a silver half dollar, was distributed in 1938 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of New Rochelle, New York.

John Pell, of Pelham Manor, sold 6000 acres to the French Huguenots in 1688 which would become New Rochelle. Part of the agreement included that the Huguenots would give a fattened calf to Pell or his heirs each year on June 24, if they so demanded it. 

The image supposedly represents John Pell receiving the "fatted calf."

This coin was designed by Gertrude K. Lathrop after being approved in May 1936. The coin was actually minted in 1937 but not distributed to the public until 1938 - the year of the 250th anniversary.

Also, of interest, this was the last commemorative coin minted before the United States entered World War II.

You can learn more about the New Rochelle coin and its imagery on the Town of Pelham historical page and more about the town on the Historic Pelham web site.

In our book, Days of Our Coins, the New Rochelle, New York 250th anniversary commemorative silver half dollar coin is featured on April 8 (obverse) and April 18 (reverse).