The California-Pacific International Exposition (aka "San Diego") Half Dollar began its journey through Congress via companion bills introduced in February 1935. The House bill was introduced by Representative George Burnham (R-CA) and was referred to the House Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures. Senator William Gibbs McAdoo (D-CA) introduced the bill in the Senate, where it was referred to the Senate Committee on Banking and Currency.
The bills called for 250,000 half dollars. Neither bill restricted the number of US Mint facilities that could be used, the date to be featured on the coin or the time frame for coining authority. The bills did specify, however, that only the chairman of the Board of the California-Pacific International Exposition could request the coins.
The Senate bill stalled in Committee, but the House bill was reported out favorably with a small amendment. The Committee recommended that any "duly authorized agent" of the Exposition be able to request the coins vs. just the chairman of its Board.
Representative Burnham appeared before the Committee and confirmed that the Exposition Company would be responsible for all costs associated with the coins. For purposes of background, Burnham also provided a statement that included, "The Exposition is being held for the purpose of inspiring national confidence and a higher appreciation of American institutions, stimulating business and industry, assisting the Government in bringing a more abundant life to its people and creating a better understanding among the nations of the world." Lofty objectives indeed!
The bill was brought up for consideration by the House and was passed, with the Committee's recommended change, without debate. It was then sent to the Senate for its consideration. Upon receipt, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Banking and Currency. It was reported out without amendment. When the bill was considered by the Senate, it was passed without debate.
With both chambers in agreement, the bill was examined, signed and sent to the President for approval. US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the bill into law on May 3, 1935.
The bill flowed very smoothly through Congress from start to finish. It would be revisited, however, during the 2nd Session of the 74th Congress.
The Exposition Company was very optimistic regarding the potential sales of its coin, and ordered the complete mintage in one batch; the Branch Mint at San Francisco struck the full limit of 250,000 coins in August 1935. Sales did not go as well as expected, however, and the Exposition Company scrambled to create a new sales plan. You can read more about what they came up with in my "Revisited" post (link below).
1935 California-Pacific International Exposition Half Dollar
For more on the "San Diego" half dollar, see:
-
1935 California-Pacific International Exposition-
1935 California-Pacific International Exposition - Revisited-
1935 California-Pacific International Exposition - Original Holder-
1935 California-Pacific International Exposition - Coins Depicting Places Thread-
1935 California-Pacific International Exposition - Coins Depicting Coats of Arms, Shields, etc.For other of my posts on commemorative coins and medals, have a look at:
Read More: Commems Collection.
Posted 03/21/2022 8:02 pm
