Commems Collection Modern: What If? 2018 Hero Street U S A

IMO, this one falls into - at best - the "Local Significance" category, and - at worst - the "Most Obscure" category.


In May 2015, Cheri Bustos (D-IL) introduced a bill in the House of Representatives (it included 69 co-sponsors), that called for a three-coin commemorative program - Gold Half Eagle, Silver Dollar and Copper-Nickel (CuNi) Clad half Dollar - to honor "Hero Street USA."

Never heard of "Hero Street USA"? You're likely not alone.

The bill's "Findings" section provides some background:

Congress finds the following:

(1) In 1968, 2nd Street of Silvis, Illinois, was renamed Hero Street, a tribute to the sacrifice and patriotism of its residents.

(2) Many Mexican families immigrated to Silvis during the 1920s and 1930s, seeking work with the local railroad line, and settled on 2nd Street, where low-cost housing was available to railroad workers and their families.

(3) When the United States entered World War II, the young men of 2nd Street answered the Nation's call to serve. Of this first generation of 2nd Street residents, six were killed in World War II and two in the Korean Conflict.

(4) Despite tragedy, a strong tradition of military service persisted within this small, historically Latino community as the younger generations enlisted or were drafted.

(5) Today, over 100 men and women from Hero Street have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, a concentration higher than any other street comparable in size.

(6) The legacy of these brave soldiers has transformed this small street into a point of national pride, and a park and monument have been built in Silvis to honor the 8 deceased service members as well as all who have served in the United States Military.

(7) 2018 will mark the 50th anniversary of Hero Street's renaming.

Hero Street USA Memorial to the Fallen / Silvis, Illinois

(Image Credit: Paul Crumlish, HMdb.org.)

Requested were up to 50,000 Gold Half Eagles. up to 400,000 Silver Dollars and up to 750,000 Clad Half Dollars. The bill authorized Proof and uncirculated versions of each denomination.

The designs for the coin were specified only as "emblematic of Hero Street USA" which afforded much discretion for the artist(s) to be engaged. In addition to the standard inscriptions, the coins were to feature a "2018" date to highlight the anniversary year being commemorated.

The Issue Prices of the program's coins were to include the following surcharges:

- $35 per Gold Half Eagle
- $10 per Silver Dollar
- $5 per Clad Half Dollar

Collected surcharge funds were to be paid to the Wounded Warrior Project "to carry out the organization's mission of honoring and empowering our Nation's wounded warriors."

Upon its introduction, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. The bill did not fare well in Committee, however, and was not reported out for further consideration. As no companion bills were introduced, the Hero Street USA coin bill died for lack of action when the 114th Congress ended in January 2017.

Which of the categories noted above works for your classification of this proposed coin program? OR Do you prefer a different category?


For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including other Quick Bits stories, see: Commems Collection.