NORFOLK 1936 50C Silver Commemorative PCGS MS66 (OGH)

A premium Gem example of the 1936 Norfolk Bicentennial/Tricentennial Silver Commemorative, certified PCGS MS66 and housed in an early “Old Green Holder,” with notably attractive original brilliance and warm golden coloration.

Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1936, this classic commemorative half dollar was issued to mark the 200th anniversary of the Borough of Norfolk, Virginia, and the 300th anniversary of the grant of land on which the city stands. The reverse, shown on the obverse-facing side of the holder, features the official Norfolk city seal with a three-masted ship above a plow, framed by concentric legends including NORFOLK VIRGINIA and ET TERRA ET MARE DIVITIAE TUAE, with 1936 below. The opposite side presents a ceremonial mace at center, flanked by the dates 1636 and 1736, with inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and HALF DOLLAR. The design is distinctive within the silver commemorative series for its heraldic character and civic symbolism.

In MS66, the present piece resides solidly in the Gem category, displaying sharp definition across the central devices and legends, with satiny-to-frosty mint luster enhanced by appealing honey-gold and light amber patina. The surfaces appear well preserved for the assigned grade, with only minimal marks of the sort expected at this level and excellent overall eye appeal. The strike is pleasing, with the intricate central motifs and peripheral inscriptions showing strong clarity.

The Norfolk half dollar occupies a respected place in the celebrated “classic commemorative” series of 1892–1954, a field that continues to attract collectors for its artistic variety, limited mintages, and strong historical associations. Issued during the prolific commemorative year of 1936, the Norfolk stands apart for its unusual dual-dated historical theme and its bold municipal iconography. It is a favored type among collectors assembling either complete commemorative sets or specialized groups of Virginia-related issues.

With a relatively modest original mintage by modern standards and enduring demand from commemorative specialists, high-grade Norfolk halves remain consistently collectible. Gem examples certified by PCGS are especially desirable when paired with original color and strong technical quality, and the added appeal of an early-generation holder will not be lost on seasoned buyers.

An attractive, certified Gem Norfolk commemorative combining historical significance, original surface quality, and enduring collector demand.