I've decided to revisit this classic-era What If? story to clarify an important aspect of the proposed coin. You can review the original post here:
What If? 1937 Grover Cleveland Birth Centennial.
Preliminary Designs for Proposed 1937 Grover Cleveland Half Dollar
(Image Credit: Caldwell (NJ) Coin Club via The Numismatist, American Numismatic Association, May 1937. Fair Use, education.)The proposed Grover Cleveland Birth Centennial Half Dollar was sponsored by the Caldwell Coin Club. It turns out, however, that the entity was not a traditional coin club, but rather, a corporation established for the purpose of securing a commemorative Grover Cleveland half dollar and to manage the mechanics of getting it produced if approved by the US Congress. (Per the organization's Articles of Incorporation.)
The truth came to light after the potential coin was publicized and local collectors questioned the existence of a "Caldwell Coin Club" as none were aware of such a club in the area.
The "Coin Club" was working in conjunction with the State Grover Cleveland Centenary Commission, with net proceeds from the coin being earmarked to finance a local celebration in honor of the former President (born in Caldwell, NJ on March 18, 1837). Published accounts at the time indicated that the initial delay in the coin's approval - there was still hope for its approval in March 1937 - greatly impacted the town's planned celebrations and that it was forced to mark Cleveland's birth centennial with only "a display of bunting" with promise of a more noteworthy commemoration in June. I haven't yet found documentation for a June celebration - the failure of the coin proposal might be to blame - but my search is ongoing.
For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including many What If? stories for proposed classic and modern commemorative coins, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 11/04/2023 11:15 am
