Commems Collection Classic: 1937 Roanoke Colony Memorial - Potential Precursor?

The proposal for a commemorative half dollar to mark the 350th anniversary of the Roanoke Colony was introduced in the House in May 1936. Several years before, in 1932, a Concurrent Resolution in the House called for the establishment of the Roanoke Colony Commission; it was agreed to by the House and Senates. (Note: Concurrent Resolutions are not submitted to the President for approval, they need only be passed by both chambers of Congress; they do not have the force of law.)

The creation of the Commission came about, in part, through the urging of the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA), which had been formed to serve as an advocate for the preservation of the Roanoke Colony and plan celebrations in 1934 and 1937 to mark important 16th century events in the Colony's history. The RIHA was hoping to engage the US Government in the celebration and to secure some financial support; Representative Lindsay Carter Warren (D-NC) partnered with the RIHA to introduce the above-mentioned House Concurrent Resolution.

The Commission had six members: three Senators and three Representatives. Senator Joseph Taylor Robinson (D-AR), a name familiar to US classic-era commemorative coin collectors via the 1936 Arkansas Statehood Centennial series, was selected as the Chairman of the Commission.

Per the Resolution, the Commission was charged with planning and preparing "a program for the commemoration in 1934 of the three hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of English-speaking civilization in America on Roanoke Island, N. C., with an estimate of the probable cost."

Included in the Resolution was the stipulation that the Commission "make a report to the Congress in order that enabling legislation may be enacted." In its January 1933 Report to Congress, the Commission recommended, among other things, the dedication of markers at a ceremony on Roanoke Island on the 1934 anniversary date of the 1584 landing of the expedition of Captain Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe; the Amadas-Barlowe Expedition was the first New World expedition sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh. It served as a "scouting mission" vs. one intended to create a colony. Captain Amadas' report of the region was so glowing, it inspired Raleigh and his business partners to move ahead with their plans to establish an English colony in the New World.

Side Note: The Commission appears to have been a little confused over some of the details of the Amadas-Barlow expedition. It reported how, upon visiting Roanoke Island in North Carolina, it viewed the earthen works fort built by the Amadas-Barlowe team. It's my understanding, however, that the Amadas-Barlowe expedition did not construct a fort on Roanoke Island. It is known that they visited a Native American village on the north side of the island in 1584, but they did not attempt to establish a colony at that time. An earthen fort was built on Roanoke Island in 1585, however, during a second Raleigh-sponsored expedition to the area when a permanent colonization attempt was made.

The Commission also recommended that it be given authority to launch a nation-wide educational program to support local celebrations and encourage schoolchildren to learn more about the early colony. This educational effort would have included one or more publications about Roanoke's early days as the Commission found that few such resources existed at the time.

Also, it recommended that "an official medal and a series of commemorative postage stamps be authorized in connection with the celebration." So, while not a commemorative coin, the idea of a numismatic souvenir for Roanoke's anniversary was initiated. The medal recommendation came during a time when new commemorative coin bills were very limited as a result of President Herbert Hoover's veto of the Gadsden Purchase commemorative half dollar in April 1930; Hoover was acting in support of the Treasury Department's objection to new commemorative coins and its preference for the striking of commemorative medals.

Due to the severe financial issues being faced by the nation in the early- to mid-1930s (the time of the Great Depression), Congress did not approve the continuation of the Commission or authorize Federal funds to support the recommended Amadas-Barlow expedition celebration in 1934. In response, the RIHA largely withdrew its involvement in the 1934 commemoration and focused on the Lost Colony's 350th anniversary in 1937 (this would include support for a commemorative half dollar).

IMO, had Congress approved the continuation of the Commission and the implementation of its plans, and made an appropriation to support the planned 1934 celebration, it is unlikely that the 1937 Roanoke Colony Memorial Half Dollar would have been proposed and issued - there would be one less coin in the series! As the Roanoke Colony Memorial coin commemorates an important historical event and is (IMO) one of the more artistically successful of the series, its absence from it would be unfortunate (using the benefit of 20/20 hindsight).

Several years ago, I sent Daniel Carr a message suggesting he consider creating one of his fantasy over-strike pieces using the Roanoke half dollar as the base, but with a "1934" date vs. the issued-coin's "1937." He responded, "that is an interesting idea. When it comes time to do another classic commemorative fantasy-date over-strike, I will consider it." Unfortunately, I'm still waiting, but I remain hopeful!

1937 Roanoke Colony Memorial Half Dollar


(I enjoy pulling this one out from time to time - it's a problem-free circulated example I picked up from CCF member nickelsearcher several years ago. I think it has a great look!)


For more about the Roanoke half dollar, check out:

- 1937 Roanoke Colony Memorial
- 1937 Roanoke Colony Memorial - Ephemera I
- 1937 Roanoke Colony Memorial - Ephemera II
- 1937 Roanoke Colony Memorial - A Proof-like Roanoke Half Dollar
- 1937 Roanoke Colony Memorial - Unscrupulous Dealers
- 1937 Roanoke Colony Memorial - Avoiding Religious Controversy
- 1937 Roanoke Colony Memorial - Half Dollar Copy


For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, see: Commems Collection.