Commems Collection Modern: What If? 1975-76 American Revolution Bicentennial - Endcap

I've discussed previously how the Treasury/Mint support for the United States ("US") Bicentennial coinage program was based on it being reasonably confident in its ability to produce the target coins in large enough quantities to meet the demands of circulation, collectors and souvenir seekers. The Treasury/Mint didn't anticipate the reality of increased coinage demands in 1974 and it had to reach out for potential new solutions.

Gilbert Stuart Portrait of George Washington - Circa 1798-1800

(Image Credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art. Public Domain.)

As 1974 progressed, the US experienced an "unexpected surge in coinage demand throughout the nation." (Senate Report 93-1303) This increased demand level meant the Mint was being used to capacity to produce the coins needed for circulation (primary among them, the Lincoln Cent). It also meant that the Treasury/Mint no longer believed it could commit to the production provisions - especially the Silver Clad coin mintage of 45 million coins by July 4, 1975, as outlined in the Public Law that authorized the Bicentennial coinage.

The Treasury/Mint developed a backup plan - a bill that would authorize it to produce (if necessary) coins of the then-current design (i.e., non Bicentennial) and date them "1975" as well as benefit from a one-year extension (until July 4, 1976) on the deadline for producing the full quantity of the Silver Clad coins.

The bill was sent directly to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs ("Committee").

The Committee reviewed the Treasury's proposal and supported it. The Committee reported the bill favorably, with a recommendation for it to pass. The Senate passed the bill in December 1974 without objection or debate - the bill was sent to the House for concurrence.

In the House, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Banking and Currency. The House Committee, however, did not move the bill forward.

As a result, the Treasury/Mint distributed coin production across its active mints (i.e., Philadelphia, Denver), its Assay Office in San Francisco (Silver Clad coins) and facilities not previously engaged in coin production (e.g., the West Point Bullion Depository) and maintained a full work schedule to address demand. The Silver Clad coins were struck throughout 1975, with many beyond the original July 4, 1975 deadline; a number were struck in 1976 to meet demand. In total, 45 million coins (15 million three-coin sets) were produced.

So, no official legal tender "1975" Quarter Dollar, Half Dollar or Dollar with non-Bicentennial designs were produced. If you enjoy Daniel Carr's Fantasy Overstrike pieces, however...


For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more "What If?" stories, see: Commems Collection