Commems Collection Modern: What If? 1989 National Numismatic Collection

A bill introduced in the House of Representatives ("House") in March 1989, during the First Session of the 101st Congress, by Richard T. Schulze (R-PA) was intended to support the growth of the National Numismatic Collection within the Smithsonian Institution.

The bill authorized the Director of the United States ("US") Mint to transfer to the Smithsonian Institution "200 proof sets for purposes of trading these sets with foreign mints."

The bill included a brief "Findings" section that provided context for its provisions:

"The Congress finds that--

"(1) the National Numismatic Collection of the Smithsonian Institution (hereinafter in this section referred to as the 'Collection') is an important national treasure whose sustained growth is important for the continued study of the science of numismatics;

"(2) the study of coins, tokens, medals, and paper money reveals the fabric of which this, and other countries, are made; and

"(3) it would be beneficial for the Director of the Collection of the Smithsonian Institution to be able to regularly and systematically acquire for the Collection new and varied coins of the world."

The Proof Sets to be transferred were to include coins "in metals other than gold and silver" (i.e., regular Proof Sets). Once the Sets were received by the Smithsonian Institution, they could be exchanged "with a like institution, or with a national mint or any other private minting facility that strikes coins or produces the currency of any other nation or state upon which terms as the Executive Director of the Smithsonian Institution shall from time to time prescribe."

The bill also provided for:

1 - The Collection to receive "at least two exemplars of each coin struck each year from each minting facility or striking facility and such exemplars may be accessioned by the Smithsonian into the Collection."

2 - The Collection's curator to "request from the Director of the Mint coins of gold, silver, or any other bullion (whether of a commemorative nature or otherwise) which are being produced by the Mint."

3 - The above coins (#1 and #2) to be exchanged with foreign mints or states.

Due to the mixed nature of the bill, it was referred to multiple House Committees:

- Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs
>>>> Further referral to its Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage.

- Committee on House Administration
>>>> Further referral to its Subcommittee on Libraries and Memorials.

The bill did not progress from either Committee, nor was it considered under a Suspension of the Rules in the full House; no companion or related bill was introduced in the Senate. As such, the bill died for lack of action when the 101st Congress adjourned in October 1990.

I've seen portions of the National Numismatic Collection during visits to the Smithsonian Institution - quite impressive! I wish this legislation had become Public Law so that support for the Collection was codified.

For the story of a somewhat related lost opportunity, see:

- Virgil Brand and US Commemorative Coins


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