The 1938 New Rochelle half dollar, dated 1938, marks the 250th anniversary of the New York community's settlement in 1688. However, this coin was struck in 1937, a year before its stated date of issue. Such discrepancies between dates of production for certain coins versus the dates seen on those pieces were common in the high-flying days of the traditional commemorative series in the mid 1930s. This attractive coin, designed by Gertrude K. Lathrop, features an obverse motif of a settler handling a calve, and the reverse showcases a fleur-dis-lis, or flower of the lily.

The vast majority of specimens on the marketplace are known in nice uncirculated grades of MS64 to MS66, with many available in MS67. Pieces grading higher are rare. Most are well struck and offer excellent luster and nice overall eye appeal.