According to Stefan Bielinski, former senior historian of the New York State Museum, the charter is also "arguably the longest-running instrument of municipal government in the Western Hemisphere.

"[3] In 1936 the United States Congress commemorated the charter's 250th anniversary by minting a half dollar coin.

[10] The next major threat to the charter government came during the American Revolution when the Common Council stopped meeting in 1775.

It also established Albany as the sole market town in the upper Hudson region, with the right to purchase land at Tionnderoge and Schaghticoke.

[10] The sole right to issue trading privileges anywhere in Albany County rested with the mayor and Common Council.

[15] The Dongan Charter was first amended on March 21, 1787, to remove the mayor's powers to act as the city and county's sole coroner, and to regulate trade with Indians.

[3][19][20] The United States Congress authorized on June 16, 1936, the minting of 25,000 half dollar coins celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Dongan Charter.