In the early years (1892-1930) of the classic-era of US commemorative coins (1892-1954), the coin bills often lacked details that most would classify as "core" specifications. For example, it was not unusual for a bill to NOT name a coin's sponsor nor identify how coin proceeds were to be used. The bill/Act that authorized/approved the 1927 Battle of Bennington / Vermont Independence Sesquicentennial Half Dollar is one such bill.
The "Bennington" half dollar was the lead coin in a three-coin bill that also sought coins for the 1925 California Statehood Diamond Jubilee and the Centennial of Fort Vancouver, Washington. The bill did not name the Bennington coin's sponsor (the Vermont State Sesqui-Centennial Commission ("Commission"), nor did it identify how the funds generated by coin sales were to be used.
Fortunately, John Spargo, president of the Commission did make public how the coin funds were to be used: "to foster the study of Vermont history in our schools and colleges."
The Commission was created in March 1925 by the Vermont Legislature. Its stated objectives included "arranging and organizing a suitable celebration throughout the State of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of its independence."
The Commission arranged for a wide variety of celebration events: special services at churches throughout the State along with local non-religious celebrations on July 4, 1926, official State exercises at the State Capitol on January 5, 1927, statewide celebrations on January 15, 1927 (the date of Vermont's declaration of independence in 1777), special events in schools across the State, Vermont-focused radio broadcasts and placement of appropriate markers for Vermont Revolutionary War soldiers whose graves weren't marked - among other anniversary events.
These events were planned without reliance on coin sales - a nice departure from the approach of many other US commemorative coins. It was nice to see that coin proceeds would be used to promote Vermont through its history.
1927 Battle of Bennington/ Vermont Independence Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including other Bennington/Vermont half dollar stories, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 07/12/2025 06:24 am
