Re the very beautiful 1986 Statue of Liberty Half Dollar (Immigrant Half Dollar) : The obverse shows the New York skyline of about 1913, with the Statue of Liberty welcoming an incoming liner (according to a Treasury Dept. news release). Can someone please tell me the approximate year of the New York skyline shown on the reverse (which shows immigrants standing on a dock) ? And if possible give me a source of said date ?
Wolf01, Since Ellis island opened in 1892 and processed over 12 million people by 1924,the people and skyline on the commemorative coin are probaly meant to be just after the turn of the century,1900-1912 at the peak of immigration from Eastern Europe.After this,the skyline changed dramatically.In other words,the same time period as on the obverse.Here is a photo of the actual skyline about 1900-1910 and if you're interested in seeing some unbelievable photos of the city from this period..go here: http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5010
Mikjo0, I believe you are correct, but I would like to find an on-line "official" confirmation if such is available. Thanks for your rapid response!
Mikjo0, I just now noticed your "skyline" thumbnail! That is a pretty convincing answer to my question. Thanks again.
Well I found a really comprehensive article on this coin on the PCGS website.The sculptor/engraver Sherl Joseph Winter claims she used various photos of immigrants arriving,and used the same year (1913) skyline as on the obverse.Here is the quote: "The scene is of a later date (shows the Woolworth Bldg., a landmark in 1913), and the same skyline was used on the reverse. Sherl J. Winter and I agreed to use the same one. The same ship also sailed by the statue in 1913" http://www.pcgs.com/articles/article_view.chtml?artid=3584&universeid=313
Mikjo0, I had seen that article before asking my question, but somehow I thought the Steever reference to 1913 only referred to his obverse design. Now I see my mistake.
