Commems Collection: 1936 Elgin Revisited

In my previous post regarding the Elgin, Illinois Centennial half-dollar (see http://goccf.com/t/117181&SearchTerms=elgin), I discussed the coin's design and designer along with the coin's limited artist-signed presentation holder. Tonight I thought I'd share some original correspondence related to the promotion and ordering of the coin.

First up is an image of the letter that L.W. Hoffecker (on behalf of the Elgin Centennial Monumental Committee) sent to prospective buyers. It touted "advance orders" already received to encourage prompt action to avoid missing out and a selling price lower than competing commemorative programs. You'll note also Hoffecker's bid to establish credibility via his reference to his involvement with the Old Spanish Trail half-dollar. It's interesting to note that a year or so later, Trygve Rovelstad (the coin's designer) and the Elgin Committee were handling collector inquiries and orders directly, but at slightly increased price of $1.75 per coin.

Read More: Commems Collection



Next is a copy of the Order Form that was included with the letter. This "pink copy" appears to be a carbon copy from a two-part form intended to be a receipt for the collector placing the order.



As promised in the sales letter, a post card acknowledging the order was sent out by Hoffecker. Note from above that Hoffecker's sales letter was dated July 1, 1936. The collector obviously received it in a matter of days as he was able to respond promptly with an order for a single coin sent out on July 6, 1936. Hoffecker then acknowledged the order just a few days later on July 9, 1936 â€" very efficient! The card also has a note hand written by the collector indicating receipt of his Elgin coin on October 15, 1936.



Lastly, an image of the simple, unmarked cardboard holder used to distribute the Elgin coin. The greenish color seen is actually the remnants of a type of water-activated paper tape used to secure the coin in the holder -- I can only hope the portions of tape in contact with the coin were left dry!



Enjoy!

1936 Elgin, Illinois Centennial Half-Dollar - Obverse




1936 Elgin, Illinois Centennial Half-Dollar - Reverse