Commems Collection Medals: 1973 Nicolaus Copernicus 500th Anniversary

In the 93rd Congress (1973-1974), three identical bills were introduced in the House of Representatives by Robert A. Roe (D-NJ), Henry Helstocki (D-NJ) and Edward J. Derwinski (R-IL), respectively.

Nicolas Copernicus Portrait - Circa 1580

(Image Credit: District Museum in Toru#324;, Poland. Public domain.)

The bills called for the striking of medals "in commemoration of the five hundredth anniversary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus (Mikola Kopernik)." Copernicus was born on February 19, 1473 in Poland. The medals were to recognize "the great contribution of this extraordinary man to astronomy and the advancement of science, and as a tribute to the role in which he played in the development of the rich intellectual and spiritual heritage of his nation."

The bills were each referred to the House Committee on Banking and Currency. As part of the Committee's review process, the medal bills were included in a May 1973 Hearing that also examined several commemorative coin proposals (including Bicentennial coins) along with multiple other commemorative medal bills. (The Hearing followed shortly after the US Postal Service's release of its Copernicus commemorative stamp; see First Day Cover (FDC) below.)

While it did not submit a formal objection to the Copernicus medal bill, the Treasury did note "That the proposed medal does not meet the guidelines for a 'national medal' agreed upon by the Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs of your Committee and the Bureau of the Mint. Under those guidelines, a national medal should only honor those events that have contributed to and advanced the history of the country, or those persons whose superior deeds or achievements have embellished our history or who are representatives of the finest of accomplishment in service to the nation."

The Treasury also referenced the fact that the Copernicus medal bill did not include an appropriation for the costs involved in die preparation and initial production. It argued that without knowing its setup costs, it would be impossible to set an accurate issue price that would guarantee such would recover all costs of production.

Sponsors of all three Copernicus medal bills - Representatives Robert Roe, Henry Helstoski and Edward Derwinski - prepared statements for the Hearing.

Representative Roe's statement began with a brief biography of Copernicus with a focus on his research and theory that the Earth revolves around the Sun and not the other way around. He also highlighted the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's [NASA's] decision to name its recently-launched "orbiting astronomical satellite" in honor of Copernicus.

Within his statement, Roe looked to refute the Treasury's position; he included: "In view of the national recognition already accorded to the 500th anniversary of his birth, the striking of a commemorative medal in honor of Mikolaj Kopernik would indeed meet our nation's criteria for authorizing the use of the United States Mint for this purpose."

Roe concluded his statement with a tug at the heart strings: "A nation comprised of millions of people who have immigrated and adopted the United States of America as their motherland must continue to hold in esteem and fully recognize the historic figures throughout the centuries who have devoted a lifetime in diligence and devotion to achieve the ideal of a better world for all."

Representative Helstoski's statement was recorded next. He opened with: "Copernicus--the great astronomer and father of modern science--was born in Poland in 1473. He was outstanding in many fields, and distinguished himself as a theologian, scholar, painter, poet, physician, lawyer, economist, soldier, statesman and scientist. But above all, he was an eminent astronomer--so eminent that his theories formed the basis for modern astronomy . It was he who disproved the idea that the earth is in the center of the universe and formulated the theories which led to modern-day space exploration."

He continued, "Paying tribute to Copernicus is particularly timely because of the relationship of his pioneering theory [i.e., heliocentrism] to modern space research. It was extremely gratifying that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration named an astronomical satellite for Copernicus."

Helstocki's statement concluded with, "In light of the pioneering efforts of the United States in space research and the great interest of the scientific community, it seems most appropriate that the United States Government recognize the 500th anniversary of the birth of this great man with some appropriate memorial. Copernicus has given much to the world through science, as have many Polish-Americans who celebrate this anniversary. I feel that it is, indeed, fitting and appropriate that a medal be engraved and struck to honor the 500th anniversary of this great man's birth."

Last to be entered into the Hearing's record was the statement of Representative Derwinski. Within his opening comments was: "I address myself particularly to the national significance of this event [Copernicus' 500th Anniversary]." Derwinski then presented details about NASA's "Copernicus" satellite and its mission.

He concluded with, "in view of the improved relations between the US and Poland, and in view of the widespread interest in Copernicus, I believe it would be appropriate for your Committee to give favorable consideration to my proposal."

The impassioned prose of the bill sponsors notwithstanding, none of the bills was reported out of Committee - the Treasury Department's view of "inappropriate" claimed the day. Congress did, however, authorize a Resolution "requesting the President to issue a proclamation designating the week of April 23, 1973, as 'Nicolaus Copernicus Week' marking the quinquecentennial of his birth." (I believe "quincentennial" is the correct/preferred term for the 500th anniversary.) The Resolution:

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States is hereby authorized and requested to issue a proclamation designating the week of April 23, 1973, as "Nicolaus Copernicus Week " and calling upon the people of the United States to join with the Nation's scientific community as well as that of Poland and other nations in observing such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Approved April 9, 1973.

US President Richard M. Nixon issued the proclamation on April 10, 1973.

Here's a First Day Cover (FDC) with the 8-cent Copernicus stamp referenced above.

1973 Copernicus First Day Cover by Fleetwood


Here's a Franklin Mint commemorative medal honoring Copernicus and the 500th Anniversary of his birth.

1973 Bronze Copernicus Commemorative Medal



For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including other What If? stories from the classic and modern US commemorative series, see: Commems Collection.