Collectors of the classic era of US commemorative coins are very familiar with the 1926-39 Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollars, they are, in fact, often considered to be the "most beautiful" coins of the series thanks to the design and sculpting work of
James Earle Fraser and his wife
Laura Gardin Fraser.
If the US Treasury Department, and its Secretary, Andrew Mellon, had its way, however, the efforts of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association would have been supported by a commemorative medal rather than a half dollar. (The Treasury had successfully made the medal-for-coin switch for the Norse-American Centennial commemorative piece, and was temporarily successful with swapping the Fort Vancouver Centennial commemorative coin.)
Secretary Mellon sent Ezra Meeker a letter on April 20, 1926 (before the coin was authorized) touting the Department's position on an Oregon Trail commemorative coins vs. a medal, stating "the fact that medals were authorized by Congress would attach dignity and importance to them...The idea of substituting medals for coins would appear to be worthy of every encouragement." Mellon also indicated that a medal bill would be fully supported by the Treasury.
Meeker sent Mellon's proposal to the Trail's auxiliary organization in Idaho and requested their thoughts. The group rejected the proposal and reiterated its desire for a coin as it did not believe medal sales would be sufficient to help it meet its financial objectives. Meeker then presented the proposal to the Association's New York-based team - it also rejected Mellon's medal proposal.
The medal's rejection was challenged by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking and Currency, George Payne McLean (R-CT) who advocated for the Treasury Department's position. Ultimately, however, though the medal was pushed hard by McLean and the Treasury, Meeker and the Memorial Association won out in the end and got their coin.
1926 Oregon Trail Memorial Association Half Dollar: Reverse, Obverse
For more on the Norse-American and Fort Vancouver medals referenced above, check out:
-
1925 Norse-American Centennial-
1925 Fort Vancouver Centennial - Origin StoryFor other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, check out:
Commems Collection. 
Posted 02/25/2022 2:04 pm
