Commems Collection Classic: 1936 Lynchburg Sesquicentennial - Why Senator Carter Glass?

Last year, I posted about Senator Carter Glass being given the first Lynchburg Sesquicentennial half dollar in recognition of his portrait's use on the obverse of the coin. You can read the post here: Quick Bits #80 - First Lynchburg, VA Half Dollar

Senator Carter Glass

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

I decided to return to the topic and present the full tribute offered by Colonel Edwin A. Halsey, a fellow Lynchburger, long-time colleague and Secretary of the Senate, as he made the presentation in the Senate chamber - it helps answer the question "Why was Carter Glass selected for the Lynchburg half dollar?".

Col. Halsey's tribute:

The outstanding souvenir of the sesquicentennial of Lynchburg is a silver half dollar, authorized for this occasion by a special act of Congress. Since the foundation of the Republic the likenesses of only the preeminent patriots of the Nation have been selected to grace its coins and currency.

Lynchburg, in searching for one forcefully to symbolize the salient features of our city, has chosen you, Senator Glass. Through your endeavors for the establishment of the Federal Reserve System and your initiative and cooperation in the enactment of banking laws, stabilized currency has become universal. Your governmental services have been a credit to your State and country.

Lynchburg is proud of your record, and Virginia felicitates herself in having you as one of her Senators. Fortunate is Lynchburg that Providence selected it as the site for your activities. This city has stood the test of time. Its chevrons of chivalry have never been tarnished. Its record of valor ranks with the best. Its enterprise has developed a community of which one may well be proud. Its manhood has brought renown to its borders. The beauty and charm of its womanhood are not surpassed. Lynchburg's fame will increase as time marches on; and you and your career form a fitting capstone to these things of which our fair city can justly boast.

It is now my pleasure to present to you the first coin to come from the mint in commemoration of this happy and eventful anniversary, the coin bearing your profile-the only time in the history of our country that a single living citizen has been thus distinguished. The United States, in thus honoring you, Senator Glass, honors Lynchburg.

A quick, but meaningful, tribute to the honoree!

Note: Glass would soon be joined by Senator Joseph Robinson in the category of "only time in the history of our country that a single living citizen has been thus distinguished" on a US coin.

1936 Lynchburg, VA Sesquicentennial Half Dollar



For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more on the Lynchburg half dollar, see: Commems Collection.