One of America’s Greatest Unsolved Mysteries: The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island

The enduring story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island remains one of the biggest mysteries in American history. Established in the late 1500s on Roanoke Island, present-day North Carolina, the colony was England’s first attempt to establish a settlement in the New World.

Yet, one day, the entire colony disappeared without a trace.

The unsettling disappearance of the entire colony triggered centuries of speculation, theories, and many investigations. None of these ideas has ever borne fruit and explained what really happened to these 120 brave English souls who traveled to the New World, but then disappeared.

A Coin to Remember It  

The mystery and intrigue surrounding the lost colony have turned the 1937 Roanoke silver half-dollar commemorative coin into one of the most popular commemorative coins in American numismatics. After all, it represents a foundational episode in our nation’s history. For those who haven’t heard the story before, here are some of the basic facts that we do know to be true.

Setting Sail for the New World

In the late 1500s, there was a fierce competition among European powers to establish overseas colonies. The Roanoke exploration and colony were primarily financed by Sir Walter Raleigh, an ambitious Englishman. In 1584, Queen Elizabeth I granted Raleigh the right to explore and colonize lands not already claimed by Christian monarchs. Raleigh invested heavily in this venture, seeking both personal gain and national glory. The initial 1584 reconnaissance voyage reported abundant natural resources and friendly native populations, fueling hopes for a prosperous settlement.

In 1587, families including women and children joined the 1587 expedition to Roanoke Island led by John White, with the goal of building a permanent community in the New World. On August 18, 1587, White’s daughter Eleanor Dare gave birth to a daughter, Virginia Dare, who was the first English child born in a New World English colony. Her legacy endures today in American history.

When John White returned to Roanoke in 1590 after a three-year absence, he found the entire colony gone. The only clues he could find were the word “CROATOAN” carved into a post and “CRO” on a tree. The fate of the roughly 120 colonists, including his granddaughter, remains unknown to this day.

What Could Have Happened to the Roanoke Colonists?

1. One of the most popular theories is that the British colonists sought refuge with friendly native peoples, such as the Croatan (now Hatteras) tribe. Perhaps they married into and assimilated into their native communities.
2. Some believe the entire Roanoke colony perished due to food shortages, hostile conflicts with native tribes, or that disease spread and took the entire settlement out.
3. Other historians have argued that the Roanoke colonists moved to another location, but no definitive archaeological evidence has been found.
4. Another theory that has been put forth is that the Spanish forces destroyed the colony, since Spain and England were warring at that time.

Despite many archeological digs, the fate of the Lost Colony remains a mystery today.

What we do know is that the Colony of Roanoke Island is historically significant as it marked the first English effort to establish a permanent settlement in North America. And the brave souls who journeyed across the ocean gave their lives for a bigger cause.

Honoring the Lost Colony: A Special Coin

In 1937, to mark the 350th anniversary of the Roanoke Colony and the birth of Virginia Dare, the United States Mint issued a special silver commemorative half dollar. Congress authorized this coin to celebrate both the historical significance of the colony and the enduring mystery surrounding its fate.

Why Collectors Prize the Roanoke Island commemorative half dollar

This visually stunning coin commemorates a truly remarkable event in American colonial history, steeped in mystery and intrigue as well as historical significance.

The artistry of this coin will never be forgotten once you have seen it. Experts agree that the detailed and symbolic imagery on the coin makes it a standout among commemorative issues.

The obverse of the silver coin features Sir Walter Raleigh in period dress, shining a light on his role as the colony’s sponsor and visionary. The inscription includes “United States of America,” “Half Dollar,” and “Sir Walter Raleigh.”

The reverse of the coin portrays a dramatic image of Eleanor Dare holding her baby daughter, Virginia Dare, against the backdrop of a coastal landscape. This scene pays tribute to the first English child born in America and the families who braved the unknown.

In Memory…

The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island remains an enigma, a story of adventure and adversity at the dawn of English America. Its legacy is preserved in the form of a beautiful silver commemorative coin. The coin is a tangible reminder of both the optimism, bravery, and tragedy of the Roanoke colonists and is a prized numismatic gem for collectors and historians alike. Curious? Blanchard has one of these historical gems on offer now. See it here.