Commems Collection Modern: What If? 1972 American Revolution Bicentennial - Dollars & Half Dollars

After the expansive commemorative medal bill considered by the previous Session of Congress (see it here: What If? 1971 American Revolution Bicentennial - A Second Option), the numismatic proposals of the Second Session of the 92nd Congress were far more tame.


Two identical bills were introduced in the Spring of 1972 in the House of Representatives ("House"). The first, by Richard Crawford White (D-TX) in March 1972; the second by Frederick Delbert Schwengel (R-IA) in April. The bills called for "the coinage of 50-cent pieces and $1 pieces in commemoration of the bicentennial of the American Revolution."

Yankee Doodle 1776 - Painting by AM Willard (1876).

(Image Source: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. Public Domain.)

The coins were to be of the standard Copper-Nickel (CuNi) Clad circulation composition, with the Secretary of the Treasury to decide on the designs for the coins and for the mintage of each denomination. No specific design guidance was specified in the legislation other than the general purpose of each bill, coins "in commemoration of the bicentennial of the American Revolution." The opportunities for creativity in potential designs were in full force!

Neither bill included provision for precious metal versions of the coins for collectors, each was focused on circulation coins.

Each of the bills was referred to the House Committee on Banking and Currency; neither bill, however, progressed past the Committee.

IMO, with these bills, the seeds of what would, ultimately, become the law that authorized the Bicentennial coins collectors seek today were planted.


More stories to follow...Stay tuned!


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