Commems Collection Modern: In Appreciation Of Coin Collectors

In October 2000, during the 2nd Session of the 106th Congress, Trent Lott (R-MS) introduced a Concurrent Resolution in the Senate that acknowledged and saluted collectors of United States ("US") commemorative coins.

I think its worthwhile to share the legislation, even though it was considered in Congress more than 25 years ago and its statistics are outdated. (It's the thought that counts!)


Concurrent Resolution

"Whereas in 1982, after a period of 28 years, the Congress of the United States resumed the United States commemorative coin programs;

"Whereas since 1982, 37 of the Nation's worthy institutions, organizations, foundations, and programs have been commemorated under the coin programs;

"Whereas since 1982, the Nation's coin collectors have purchased nearly 49,000,000 commemorative coins that have yielded nearly $1,800,000,000 in revenue and more than $407,000,000 in surcharges benefiting a variety of deserving causes;

"Whereas the United States Capitol has benefited from the commemorative coin surcharges that have supported such commendable projects as the restoration of the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol dome, the furtherance of the development of the United States Capitol Visitor Center, and the planned National Garden at the United States Botanic Gardens on the Capitol grounds;

"Whereas surcharges from the year 2000 coin program commemorating the Library of Congress bicentennial benefit the Library of Congress bicentennial programs, educational outreach activities (including schools and libraries), and other activities of the Library of Congress; and

"Whereas the United States Capitol Visitor Center commemorative coin program will commence in January 2001, with the surcharges designated to further benefit the Capitol Visitor Center: Now, therefore, be it

"Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That the Congress of the United States acknowledges and salutes the ongoing generosity, loyalty, and significant role that coin collectors have played in supporting our Nation's meritorious charitable organizations, foundations, institutions, and programs, including the United States Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the United States Botanic Gardens."

On a motion by Senator Lott, the Resolution was passed in the Senate by Unanimous Consent upon its introduction. It was then sent to the House of Representatives ("House") for its consideration. In the House, it was considered under a suspension of the rules (i.e., without a Committee review), encountered nothing but support and was concurred in by Voice Vote. With that, it became "official".

Note: Concurrent Resolutions are not submitted to the President for signature/approval; as a result, they do not have the force of law. When passed in identical form by each chamber of Congress, Concurrent Resolutions are used to express the sentiments of Congress (and for other internal matters such as Congressional budgets.)

It may have been a sentiment that didn't cost Congress anything or impact any pending commemorative coin bills, but it was nice for the contributions of coin collectors to be acknowledged.


For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, see: Commems Collection.