Commems Collection Classic: Quick Bits 115 - Gold $1.50 Proposals

The classic US commemorative series marked a number of sesquicentennial anniversaries/150th anniversaries during its run. The 1925 Battle of Lexington-Concord, the 1926 American Independence and the 1927 Battle of Bennington-Vermont Independence coins are three such examples. In the case of the 1926 coin program, a clever way of marking the targeted 150th anniversary was attempted via a $1.50 gold coin. (150 years with 150 cents!)

As originally proposed, the 1926 American Independence Sesquicentennial commemorative program was to include a Silver Half Dollar and a Gold $1.50. When the resolution was considered, the Gold $1.50 coin was changed to a Gold Quarter Eagle.

To read more, see:

- What If? 1926 American Independence Gold $1.50

Push back on the denomination came from the Treasury Department/Bureau of the Mint as the US did not have a history of Gold $1.50 coins, did not have a legal specification for such a coin and believed it might create confusion among the public if some of the gold coins made it into circulation.

So, the Gold $1.50 coin was changed to be a Gold Quarter Eagle by the US Congress and the rest is history.

The 1927 Battle of Bennington-Vermont Independence Sesquicentennial coin bill initially included a gold coin request, but it was for a Gold Dollar NOT a Gold $1.50. As the Bennington-Vermont bill was introduced prior to the changes to American Independence bill being changed (January 1925 vs. February 1925), it seems unlikely that a gold $1.50 coin was seriously considered by the Vermont Sesquicentennial Commission (the sponsor/beneficiary of the Battle of Bennington-Vermont Independence Sesquicentennial coin program), but it's possible the Vermont Commission got advance word on the Treasury's position and went the traditional route with its gold coin proposal.

A Gold $1.50 was also proposed for the coin program that was to honor Crawford Long, the doctor who pioneered the use of anesthesia for surgical patients. (Read about Crawford Long, and the proposed coin, here: What If? 1930 Crawford Long $1.50 Gold Coin)


For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more What If? stories, see: Commems Collection.