In contrast to the many accolades bestowed upon Booker T Washington (BTW) when the BTW Birthplace Memorial commemorative half dollar was being considered in Congress (circa 1946), the legacy of George Washington Carver (GWC) was largely not introduced when the House of Representatives brought up for consideration the bill that was to amend the BTW coin Act to allow a design change that would see GWC joining BTW on the coin and a mintage that was limited to the authorized, but as-of-yet un-struck BTW half dollars.
If you are interested in the previous Booker T Washington considerations in Congress, see:
1946-51 Booker T. Washington Birthplace Memorial - Congress - Part I. (Note: The discussions of Congress are split across four parts.)
The proposed amendment to the original BTW coin Act was brought up for consideration in August 1951. The players in the discussion:
- Brent Spence (D-KY) served in the House from 1931 to 1963 - 72nd Congress to 87th Congress. Representative Spence was the House sponsor of the GWC-BTW amendment bill.
Jesse Paine Wolcott (R-MI) served in the House from 1931-1957 - 72nd Congress to 84th Congress.
"Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the immediate consideration of the bill...to amend the act entitled "An act to authorize the coinage of 50-cent pieces to commemorate the life and perpetuate the ideals and teachings of Booker T. Washington," approved August 7, 1946.
"The Clerk read the title of the bill.
"The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Kentucky?
"Mr. WOLCOTT. Reserving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, I wonder if the gentleman from Kentucky will agree that this bill does not increase the number of 50-cent pieces but merely changes the manner in which they shall be issued from now on. It will include the George Washington Carver National Monument Foundation with the Booker T. Washington Birthplace Memorial.
"Mr. SPENCE. It merely extends an authority that has already been granted but which will expire on August 7, and adds to this memorial coin George Washington Carver, who was a very distinguished Negro scientist and did much not only for his race but for all the people of America.
"The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Kentucky?
"There was no objection.
"The Clerk read the bill...
"The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table."A rather benign discussion in the House, no debate and just one question/confirmation request. Though done with subtlety, it's important to note that Representative Wolcott was making sure - on the record - that the bill was not seeking authorization for a completely new coin that would stretch previous authorization limits. Congress was not in a "Pro Commemorative Coin" mindset at the time and Wolcott was standing at the gate, guarding the interests of collectors!
Following passage by the House, the bill was sent to the Senate where it was considered and passed without objection or discussion. US President Harry S. Truman signed the bill into law on September 21, 1951.
1951-54 George Washington Carver-Booker T Washington Half Dollar
For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more stories about the BTW and GWC half dollars, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 04/11/2025 1:47 pm
