Commems Collection Classic: Quick Bits #60 - A Call For Circulating Commemorative Coins

The Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) was created by Act of Congress in May 1910. Its original charge:

"It is the duty of such commission to advise upon the location of statues, fountains, and monuments in the public squares, streets, and parks in the District of Columbia, and upon the selection of models for statues, fountains, and monuments erected under the authority of the United States and upon the selection of artists for the execution of the same...The commission shall also advise generally upon questions of art when required to do so by the President, or by any committee of either House of Congress."

The CFA was first engaged, by request, on US coinage matters with its review of the Winged Liberty Head ("Mercury") dime and Standing Liberty quarter. It began its involvement with US commemorative coins with the 1920 Maine
Statehood Centennial half dollar, being placed in charge of securing the coin's design.

President Warren G. Harding, via Executive Order 3524, officially added the review of coin designs to the CFA's mandate on July 28, 1921.

Commission of Fine Arts Seal

Note; The CFA Seal was created by CFA member, sculptor Lee Lawrie, in 1950 and continues in use to the present.


In short order, the CFA became frustrated with the design selection process - especially the time restrictions placed on it. It was often disappointed in the models it was "forced" to accept/approve due to circumstances beyond its control.

In its Tenth Report (covering its activities July 1, 1921 -- December 31, 1925), the CFA took a stance on US commemorative coinage and suggested a marked change:

"Fortunately these commemorative coins find a small sale and never enter into general circulation. Indeed they are quite futile. The Commission suggests that the memorial coin has passed the limit of usefulness as a means of raising money for local objects; and that the dignity of the Government would be subserved by discontinuing the practice of authorizing such coinage. This would not preclude the striking of coins to commemorate national events: but such coins should be a constituent part of national coinage for the year and should never be used as a money-making scheme."

Of course, such a new approach was not adopted and the US commemorative series continued with limited issues (generally) and private sponsors of coins. Imagine how different the classic era series would be if the CFA's position was adopted!