The Lynchburg Virginia Sesqui-Centennial Association began the marketing/promotion of its half dollar in advance of it being struck by the US Mint and having it in hand (i.e., it accepted pre-orders). The Mint struck the 20,000 coins authorized by Congress (plus 13 for assay purposes) in September 1936. The coin's availability was discussed by John Horner, the Director of Publicity for the Association, in the August 1936 issue of
The Numismatist - the official publication of the American Numismatic Association (
ANA). In the piece, Horner noted that it expected to receive the coins from the Mint in time for Lynchburg's October anniversary celebrations.
Following is the Order Form distributed by the Association for its coin.
1936 Lynchburg, VA Sesquicentennial Half Dollar Order Form - Cover Panel
1936 Lynchburg, VA Sesquicentennial Half Dollar Order Form - Inside Left Panel
1936 Lynchburg, VA Sesquicentennial Half Dollar Order Form - Inside Right Panel
1936 Lynchburg, VA Sesquicentennial Half Dollar Order Form - Back Panel
Taken together, items 4, 5 and 6 on the "INFORMATION and INSTRUCTIONS" panel have always made me wonder how many large (>10) orders were placed for the coins, what reasons were given for their placement and how often were they rejected. I imagine that established dealers were able to make a successful case for large orders, but individual speculators may have been thwarted.
No unsold coins were returned to the Mint to be melted, so overall sales appear to have been successful.
Note:One thing to note about the October celebrations, heavy rains on October 16th caused the closing events of the celebration, including its parade and final chapter of its pageant, to be pushed to the 17th.1936 Lynchburg, VA Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
1936 Lynchburg, VA Sesquicentennial Half Dollar - Mailer/Holder
For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more on the Lynchburg half dollar, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 07/17/2024 10:34 am
