After several years lacking new commemorative coins, the 1934 Maryland Tercentenary Half Dollar was issued to mark the 300th anniversary of English colonists arriving in Maryland. The colonists were sponsored by Cecil Calvert, or Lord Baltimore, who is depicted on the obverse of the coin.
Both the obverse and reverse were designed by Hans Schuler. The obverse portrait is surrounded by the inscriptions “United States of America”, “E Pluribus Unum”, “In God We Trust”, “Cecil Calvert”, and “Half Dollar”. The reverse of the coin features the coat of arms of Marlyland. A small banner beneath includes the motto “Fatti Maschii Parole Femine”, which translates to “Deeds are manly, words womanly.” The inscriptions surrounding the arms include “Maryland Tercentenary” and the dates “1634-1934″.
The authorized mintage for the 1934 Maryland Half Dollar was a modest 25,000 pieces. The entire mintage was struck and distributed by the Maryland Tercentenary Commission. After conducting initial sales at $1 per coin, bulk quantities were made available at discounted prices, until the entire mintage was sold.
The Maryland Tercentenary Half Dollar is almost always encountered with a flat strike or friction at the highest points of the obverse portrait. This makes attractive, gem examples difficult to locate.
Maryland Tercentenary Half Dollar Coin SpecificationsDesigner: Hans Schuler
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Authorization: Public Law 73-215
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 25,000
Maryland Tercentenary Half Dollar Mintages
1934: 25,015