Thanks for understanding jbuck!
Quote:
Would very much appreciate commems views on why he considers this Bicentennial Ike a commemorative coin?
@nickelsearcher: I'll provide a quick response here, then follow it up with a more complete response via a write-up about circulating US commemoratives that I started (and forgot about!) months ago.
I believe the case for considering the quarter, half-dollar and dollar coins struck with the dual dates "1776-1976" as circulating commemoratives is firmly established in the Act that authorized the coins (Public Law 93-127).
The Act's title states "An Act to provide a new coinage design and date emblematic of the Bicentennial of the American Revolution for dollars, half dollars, and quarter dollars, to authorize the issuance of special silver coins commemorating the Bicentennial of the American Revolution, and for other purposes."
Very similar language is found within the text of the Act which states that the coins "shall bear a design determined by the Secretary [of the Treasury] to be emblematic of the Bicentennial of the American Revolution." The Act also specifies that the coins are to feature the emblematic "1776-1976" dual-date.
To me, the fact that it took an Act of Congress to have the coins struck along with the fact that the language of the Act was very clear in its intent regarding the coin's design and purpose makes it easy (for me) to consider these coins as circulating commemoratives. I see the language as being similar to that used in previous commemorative coin acts, with the primary differences being: a) the Bicentennial coinage Act does not feature a private sponsor, and b) it does not place a limit on the coinage of the copper-nickel circulation pieces.
Others may have a different view of these coins, but I believe they are true circulating commemoratives!
Posted 10/01/2013 03:56 am
