Honoring the arrival of Virginia's first settlers and the birth of Virginia Dare, the 1937 Roanoke half dollar is a popular commemorative coin. Designed by William Marks Simpson, the Roanoke half dollar was originally sold for $1.65, but about only three-fifths of the 50,000 struck were sold, leaving more than 20,000 to return to the United States Mint.

The 1937 Roanoke half dollar is relatively common in uncirculated grades up through MS66, with MS67s encountered with frequency in the marketplace. However, the coin becomes quite rare in grades of MS68 or higher. Most of the available pieces exhibit terrific surfaces and frosty luster.