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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,716 |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12252 Posts |
Poll Question
Over the years, I've presented a number of What If? stories about commemorative coin proposals whose subjects didn't really measure up against a "national significance" standard - even when viewed through the most red-white-and-blue-colored glasses. It's time to go back and crown the "King of Obscurity" among the contenders of the classic era! Below is a list of the proposals that I believe are in the running for the title (each is linked to a post about it). As the list make obvious, the late 1930s were certainly a popular time for obscure commemorative coin proposals! In compiling the list, I tried to go beyond simply including proposals that featured a minor or local person/place/event and included only those that have such little general name recognition that one has to wonder how well the subject was known even on its local stage. In short, I've included those that are undeniably questionable at their core. Here's the list I've prepared - each is linked to its original post in case you'd like to refresh your memory. - 1937 Aurora, IL- 1937 Beckley, WV- 1937 Berwick, PA- 1937 Clinton, NY- 1937 Easter Sunrise Services- 1937 Meadville, PA- 1937 Mercer County, WV- 1937 Romney, WV- 1937 Village Of Sawpit, NY Name Change- 1937 Wilkinsburg, PA- 1938 St. Johnsbury, VT- 1939 Guilford, Milford & Branford, CT- 1948 Ogdensburg, NY- 1948 Oswego, NY- 1955 Dover, NHHave I forgotten one of your favorite "obscurities"? Do you believe another should be added to the poll? Leave a comment below, and your suggestion will be considered for inclusion. Which do you find to be the most obscure / least worthy of a US commemorative coin?
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
Edited by commems
03/01/2023 6:33 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Having grown up near Aurora, IL, I can tell you there has never been anything about that sinkhole that could possibly be worth commemorating.  |
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Moderator
United States
187637 Posts |
I voted the "1937 Village Of Sawpit, NY Name Change." It was between that and "1937 Easter Sunrise Services." After seeing the results, I should have went with my second choice.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
920 Posts |
I was surprised that Easton PA had a proposed commemorative.
Even more surprised by Clinton and Oswego NY. I've had relatives living in both places.
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Moderator
United States
15388 Posts |
I was hoping @commems that you would provide this summary someday - although a bit saddened if it means the end of your obscure What If? topics. As a series they were fun to read, filled with history and presented in the outstanding writing style that we have come to deeply respect. There are many worthy contenders on the list. I'll cast a vote - and list my choices in a podium finish as: 1st Place - Most Obscure - 1937 Village of Sawpit, NY Name Change. Good grief - it could only be worse had it been sponsored by Thomas G. Melish 2nd Place - What were they praying for? - 1937 Easter Sunrise Services. I salute @commems excellent timing to release the thread on Easter Day, but there is no salvation for the underlying request 3rd Place - Initial contendor - 1948 Ogdensburg, NY. When I first read this one I commented that it was, to that point, the most obscure. I mean, even the locals likely never heard of Father Piquet and his fort! I appreciate all the efforts @commems that you put into these, and bid a fond farewell to the joy of reading about them.  Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.artEdited by nickelsearcher
03/03/2023 06:21 am
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12252 Posts |
Quote:
...and bid a fond farewell to the joy of reading about them. Much appreciated, but I have a few more What If? stories left to tell! It seemed like a good time for this recap as the remaining failed coin proposals carry a bit more of a "brand" than those listed above. Alas, the What If? list will soon be completed, however. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Moderator
United States
187637 Posts |
Quote:
Much appreciated, but I have a few more What If? stories left to tell!  Quote:
It seemed like a good time for this recap as the remaining failed coin proposals carry a bit more of a "brand" than those listed above. Quote:
Alas, the What If? list will soon be completed, however.  |
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Moderator
United States
15388 Posts |
Fully agree with jbuck emotive reply comments. |
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Moderator
United States
94728 Posts |
I voted for Dover (because I was born in Dover, and nothing good ever came from that place)...  |
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Pillar of the Community
Russian Federation
5172 Posts |
I voted for the Sawpit but Romney WV was a close contender.
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12252 Posts |
Well, not exactly a "rush" to the polls, but the results are in! The winner of the title "Most Obscure" (with five votes) is: 1937 Village of Sawpit, Name Change I agree with this selection. It's one thing to seek a coin to mark a milestone anniversary of a small town, but trying to secure a coin for recall the changing of a small town's name takes it to a new level. Thanks to all who participated! Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Moderator
United States
187637 Posts |
Quote:
The winner of the title "Most Obscure" (with five votes) is: 1937 Village of Sawpit, Name Change  |
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Moderator
United States
15388 Posts |
Thanks for closing the loop on this topic @commems. As a series the 'most obscure' were all fun to read. I commend your research to flesh out these stories and bring them to us. Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,716 |
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Posted 03/01/2023 5:58 pm
