To help mark the 50th anniversary of its Statehood, Arizona took an unusual tact in its attempt to secure a commemorative half dollar. Instead of working with one (or more) of its US Representatives or US Senators to introduce a commemorative coin bill in Congress, Arizona looked to cut out out the "middle man" and went straight to the top - the US President! (I guess the Arizona Legislature believed that its long-time US Senator Barry Goldwater didn't have enough juice!
) FYI: Arizona was the 48th State to join the Union; it officially did so on February 14, 1912.
Arizona State Flag
The Arizona Senate agreed to the following Memorial and sent it to President Dwight David Eisenhower and the US Congress:
"SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 1
"Joint memorial requesting the President and the Congress of the United States to authorize the Director of the U.S. Mint to issue a commemorative half dollar coin commemorating the State of Arizona's 50th year of statehood
"To the President and the Congress of the United States of America:"Your memorialist respectfully represents:
"On February 14, 1962, the people of the State of Arizona will celebrate the anniversary of 50 years of statehood for Arizona. This semicentennial celebration of Arizona's statehood will continue throughout the year 1962 and the anniversary will undoubtedly be recognized not only within the State but throughout the United States.
"In view of this important and significant semicentennial anniversary of Arizona statehood, the members of the Arizona Legislature believe it appropriate and proper that the President and the Congress of the United States signify its recognition of this important event by authorizing the Director of the Mint to issue a commemorative half-dollar coin so that the whole Nation may join in recognizing Arizona's 50th year of statehood.
"Wherefore your memorialist, the Legislature of the State of Arizona, prays:
"That the President and the Congress of the United States of America authorize the Director of the Mint to issue a commemorative half-dollar coin in honor of Arizona's 50th year of statehood and so that the people of the whole Nation may join hands in honoring this significant event."
No coin (or medal) bill was introduced in Congress in response to the Memorial - the Memorial was acknowledged as received in Congress, however - and Arizona did not receive a legal tender US commemorative coin for its 50th anniversary of Statehood. The United State Post Office Department, however, issued a postage stamp for Arizona's golden anniversary.
1962 Arizona Statehood 50th Anniversary Stamp
In 1963, a privately-struck medal for the Centennial of the Arizona Territory was struck on copper planchets. (Arizona was/is the US' leading producer of copper.) I previously wrote about the medal here:
1963 Arizona Territory Centennial Medal.
For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more What If? Phantom stories, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 07/18/2023 2:43 pm
