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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12252 Posts |
The Public Law that authorized the 1936 San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Half Dollar provided for the striking of up to 200,000 coins. The US Mint at San Francisco was used to strike the coins, and struck 100,000 pieces (plus 55 assay coins) in November 1936; this figure represented an initial order for half of the authorized mintage. The coins went on sale on November 20, 1936 at the new Bridge and at select local outlets; they were also available via mail order. The price was $1.50 per coin ($1.65 if by mail). In January 1937, the Finance Committee of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Celebration announced that February 15, 1937 was to be the last day of sales for the coin - no orders received after that date would be filled. It also stated that coins still on hand at that time would be returned to the Mint to be melted. This meant that the coins were on sale for less than three months. Compared with the multi-year sales cycle of some coin sponsors, such a short sales window is quite remarkable. At the conclusion of sales, over 28,500 coins were returned to the Mint; the net mintage for the issue is 71,369. I can't help but wonder how many more coins the Committee could have sold if it kept them available for at least six months? The Committee must have believed it was not worth the incremental effort, especially considering the "newness" of the bridge faded a bit with each passing day and additional sales would have become increasingly difficult and costly. As nice examples of the coin are readily available in the marketplace, the net mintage of ~71K appears to have been adequate! 1936 San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Half Dollar  An interesting side story for this issue is the unsuccessful coin proposal for the use of the 100,000 Bay Bridge coins that were never struck under the coin's enabling Act. You can read about it here: - What If? 1937 Golden Gate Bridge Opening. For more of my topics on commemorative coins and medals, including more on the Bay Bridge half dollar, see: Commems Collection. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Interesting. Great designs on this coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19112 Posts |
As noted in the past. I have one of these in high AU condition--it's a cool piece.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5602 Posts |
There are Equals, When it comes to the 1930's Classical Commemoratives ( not Too many ) . Imo, THIS design, a Perfect Example of Days Gone Bye Designs....Awesome  . How the Small details seem to Jump out at Us... Favorite for Sure....  |
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Moderator
United States
15386 Posts |
Very interesting that the original coin sales were available for only 3 months. I concur @commems that in the era of multi-year issues this is quite remarkable. You know - this thread could be the beginning of @commems series of 'To the Melting Pot', as there are numerous issues where the initial exuberance of the organizing committee failed to be met by collector demand. I would read such a series. Just saying.  Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Moderator
United States
94728 Posts |
Thanks for the commentary here on this commemorative.
The bridge passed through an island in the middle of the bey called "Treasure Island" the bridge building company bored right through the 'mountain', all the rocks and dirt from the excavation was deposited on the north side of the island, thus enlarging it. Then the U.N. Navy took over control of the 'new extended' island. I lived on Treasure island for about a year before my discharge from the military.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1961 Posts |
This is the only "classic" commem in my collection, and one of the few graded (AU 58, NGC) coins I own. Very nice keepsake of the city I was born in.
" Even a clock that's stopped is right twice a day. "
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12252 Posts |
Quote:
... this thread could be the beginning of @commems series of 'To the Melting Pot', as there are numerous issues where the initial exuberance of the organizing committee failed to be met by collector demand. A definite possibility. I have a few other series I'd like to complete first, however. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Moderator
United States
15386 Posts |
Quote:
I have a few other series I'd like to complete first, however. Understood - and I enjoy reading anything that your bring to us commems! I'm completely satisfied to wait for some perhaps fascinating @commems stories of To the Melting Pot.  Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.artEdited by nickelsearcher
03/26/2023 6:44 pm
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
Thank you sharing. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3634 Posts |
Thanks, commems, that was a very interesting read! Though plentiful, I find the Bay Bridge is one of the tougher commemoratives to find with really great eye appeal (but easier than the Sesquicentennial, Monroe and Arkansas commemoratives, IMHO).
Your example, I must say, looks very nice!
Member of SPMC, FCCB, ANA and ANS. My U.S. Classic Commemorative Complete Set: https://www.NGCcoin.com/registry/co...sets/278741/My U.S. Fractional Note Set: https://notes.www.collectors-societ...eSetID=34188 |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,527 |
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Posted 03/25/2023 09:02 am
