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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12254 Posts |
I've discussed the blatant misinformation campaign perpetrated by Thomas Gatch Melish regarding the 1936 Cincinnati Music Center 50th Anniversary Half Dollar before, so I won't repeat it here. (To read about it, check out: 1936 Cincinnati Music Center 50th Anniversary - Controversy Avoided?) Here, I'd like to tak a closer look at the Commission on Fine Arts and its review of the designs prepared by Constance Ortmayer. (For more on Ms. Ortmayer, see: Coins Designed by a Woman Thread - Constance Ortmayer.) Stephen Collins Foster After its review of Ortmayer's Cincinnati designs in May 1936, the Commission on Fine Arts (CFA) had multiple objections to the coin. In addition to having issues with the coin's falsified premise, the CFA specifically objected to the use of Stephen Foster on the obverse of the coin. It stated, in a letter sent to Nellie Tayloe Ross, the Director of the US Mint, "The design of the obverse of the coin is directly contrary to the expressed purpose of the Act. ["...in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of Cincinnati, Ohio, as a center of music. " ] It shows a portrait of Stephen Collins Foster, who had no part whatever in the movement that made Cincinnati a musical center. In fact, he died in New York City seventy-two years ago [1864], whereas the movement which made Cincinnati a music center began in 1873, sixty-three years ago. The Commission is at a loss to connect a fiftieth anniversary in 1936 with a movement that began in 1873." The CFA couldn't be fooled by Melish's boastful promotion! Of course, Ortmayer was simply acting on the instruction of Melish, so she can hardly be faulted. Melish and his Cincinnati Musical Center Commemorative Coin Association pushed back on the Commission's objections, and eventually won the battle. His victory, unfortunately for history-minded collectors, is seen on every Cincinnati half dollar. 1936 Cincinnati Music Center 50th Anniversary  For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more on the Cincinnati half dollars, see: Commems Collection. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
Edited by commems
07/22/2023 07:02 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
24928 Posts |
Thank you, commems, for this intriguing article. My perusal of Foster's biographical information online does not reveal anything that connects him to Ohio, much less Cincinnati.
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Moderator
United States
15389 Posts |
This is IMO the ultimate example of collector abuse during the commemorative craze era. A coin approved to commemorate an event that never occurred - with a featured figure who was not there. All for the personal profit of Mr. Melish History records this coin as a sham and as such I really have nothing else to add to the record - other than my appreciation for commems continued sharing of these historical stories.  Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
24928 Posts |
Quote:
other than my appreciation for commems continued sharing of these historical stories. I second that emotion! Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12254 Posts |
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Foster's biographical information online does not reveal anything that connects him to Ohio, much less Cincinnati. I briefly discussed Foster's tenuous connection to Cincinnati here: - 1936 Cincinnati Music Center 50th Anniversary. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12254 Posts |
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This is IMO the ultimate example of collector abuse during the commemorative craze era. I knew this post would get a rise out of you!  Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
24928 Posts |
commems, mea culpa. I missed your information about Foster's Cincinnati connection. Tenuous is the perfect description.
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Moderator
United States
15389 Posts |
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I knew this post would get a rise out of you! Indeed - and just the idea of revisiting the shameful Cincinnati issue will cause my blood pressure to rise! As a current collector, the only positive attribute I can associate with the shameful Cincinnati issue is its absolute rarity in honestly circulated state. The shameful Cincinnati is one of 5 'Stoppers' in a quest to obtain the classic silver commemorative type set in honestly circulated state. Here is the only example I've ever seen - thankful it's in my collection. 1936-D Shameful Cincinnati PCGS XF40 Edited by nickelsearcher
07/23/2023 06:01 am
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
Very interesting! |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5177 Posts |
For my ever-expanding set of Commemorative Coins of Composers, I am interested in obtaining a decent example of the Foster/Cincinnati Music Center commemorative.
I checked prices on mint state samples, and they seem to run anywhere from $250 to $25,000 (MS68). For an album coin (which my set mainly is), that seems steep. Any suggestions on how to obtain a more economical (raw) version, or should I just stick with a slabbed coin and keep it separate from my album?
Edited by NumisEd
08/07/2023 12:26 pm
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,032 |
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Posted 07/22/2023 7:42 pm
