Many (though not all) of the bills that propose a commemorative coin in the modern-era of United States ("US") commemorative coins include a "Findings" section that provides brief historical context for the coin proposal.
The Act that authorized the 1982 George Washington 250th Anniversary Half Dollar was a "just the facts" bill that amended existing
US coinage law to allow for the commemorative piece - it did not include a "Findings" section.
At the same time as Congress was considering George Washington Anniversary coins, however, a Concurrent Resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives ("House") that sought the creation of a Special Joint Committee on Arrangements to provide for an appropriate commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of George Washington's birth by Congress.
IMO, the Resolution's introduction would have made a worthy "Findings" section for the Washington coin bill. I present it here:
"Whereas February 22, 1982, will be the two hundred and fiftieth birthday of George Washington, a heroic military man, great leader, and loyal citizen;
"Whereas George Washington served as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in the American Revolution;
"Whereas George Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787;
"Whereas George Washington was unanimously chosen first President of the United States in 1789 and was reelected for a second term;
"Whereas George Washington's career as a dedicated military man, his courageous victories at the battles of Trenton and Princeton, and his leadership and perseverance during the bitter winter at Valley Forge can be exemplary to our youth;
"Whereas George Washington's leadership as President of our infant Nation should remind all citizens of their obligation to make their own contribution to our democratic system of government; and
"Whereas it is appropriate that the Congress should commemorate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of George Washington's birth"Ultimately, the Concurrent Resolution did not pass the House and Senate, and was thus not enacted (Presidential approval would not have been needed), but I continue to think that it would have made a solid "Findings" section for the enacted coin bill.
1982 George Washington 250th Anniversary Half Dollar
For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more about modern US commemorative coins, see:
Commems Collection
Posted 01/18/2026 2:39 pm
