Since a few different post ideas I have are still "percolating," I decided to act on one of nickelsearcher's requests and take a quick look at "Classic Commemorative Coins with Belfries."
Merriam-Webster defines belfry as:
"1 : a bell tower, especially one surmounting or attached to another structure. 2 : a room or framework for enclosing a bell." With this as our working guideline, here are the classic commemorative coins that include a belfry as part of their design:
1925 Battle of Lexington-Concord Sesquicentennial
This is an obvious one. The reverse of the coin even states "OLD BELFRY, LEXINGTON." The Lexington Belfry was used to alert the local militiamen to the advancing British and to call them to assemble on the Lexington town common to prepare and defend. The design was well-executed by Chester Beach.
1936 Delaware - Landing of the Swedes Tercentenary
The obverse of the Delaware Tercentenary half dollar depicts the Old Swedes Church, including its belfry/bell tower at its western end. An interesting note about the belfry is that it was not completed at the time the church began holding services, and that the bell it would one day contain was hung from a nearby walnut tree.
1935-36 California-Pacific International Exposition
The "San Diego" half dollar features a scene showing The Tower/California Tower and the dome of the Chapel of St. Francis. Both buildings were located in Balboa Park, site of the Exposition in San Diego, California. The Tower is nearly 200 feet tall; its multi-level tower and belfry can clearly be seen.
Iowa Statehood Centennial
The Iowa Statehood Centennial half dollar depicts the Old Stone Capitol in Sioux City, Iowa. The building features a bell tower that has included a bell since 1862. The tower is not officially referred to as a belfry, but it meets our definition (above) so it seem appropriate to include here.
1936 Lynchburg, VA Sesquicentennial
In the background of the reverse of the 1936 Lynchburg, VA Sesquicentennial half dollar is seen the Old Lynchburg Courthouse (today home of the Lynchburg Museum). A belfry adorns the dome at the top of the building; it houses the Lynchburg town bell.
Those are five, but there's at least one more! Can you name it?
Posted 06/03/2022 09:52 am
