In my column this week, I am sharing the following press release from the American Numismatic Association about a commemorative coin initiative that, if enacted, will benefit the ANA, as well as the National World War I Museum and Memorial and the Nevada State Museum (housed in the former Carson City Mint).
Legislation Authorizing 2021 Morgan & Peace Silver Dollars
to Benefit American Numismatic Association
Collectors Urged to Contact Congressional Representatives for Support
Coin collectors soon could purchase a 2021-CC Morgan silver dollar and simultaneously support the American Numismatic Association (ANA).
Legislation was introduced on July 15 (House Bill 3757) to authorize production of 2021 Morgan and Peace silver dollars to mark the transition in 1921 from the Morgan to the Peace designs. A combined maximum production of 500,000 proof and uncirculated Morgan and Peace silver dollars would be authorized. An unspecified number of Morgan dollars could be struck at the former Carson City Mint, which now houses the Nevada State Museum.
Sales of the two coins will include a surcharge of $10 per coin, 40 percent of which will be paid to the American Numismatic Association for educational programs (after the U.S. Mint has recouped all of its production and associated costs). The National World War I Museum & Memorial in Kansas City also will receive 40 percent of all net surcharges, while the Nevada State Museum located in Carson City will receive 20 percent.
The enabling legislation, jointly introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Reps, Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., and Andy Barr, R-Ky., requires 189 Congressional co-sponsors.
The commemorative coin initiative is being led by Tom Uram, chairman of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), president of the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists, and current board member of the ANA; and Mike Moran, a member of the CCAC.
"It’s critical that hobbyists reach out to their Congressional representatives immediately to press them to co-sponsor the bill," says Uram. "We need the required number of co-sponsors by mid-December in order for this to become reality."
Collectors unfamiliar with how to reach their House Representatives can visit https://www.congress.gov/ (information on contacting Representatives is on the right side of the screen). Typing in the bill number in the search function at the top will provide current disposition of the legislation. QDB note: Plus, you might add that all should be struck in Carson City.
ANA President Gary Adkins noted that the silver dollar commemoratives could ignite additional interest in the hobby. "I encourage every collector to contact their Congressional representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 3757 commemorative coin legislation," he said. "Not only is this great for the hobby, but for the first time ever proceeds from a commemorative coin program will support numismatics."
The Peace dollar was approved in December 1921 to commemorate the declaration of peace between the United States and the Imperial German government, replacing the Morgan dollar. According to information provided in the proposed legislation, the design conversion from the Morgan dollar (minted between 1878 and 1904, and again in 1921) to the Peace dollar (struck from 1921 to 1935) reflected a pivotal moment in American history. "The Morgan dollar represents the country’s westward expansion and industrial development in the 19th century. The Peace dollar symbolizes the country’s coming of age as an international power while recognizing the sacrifices made by her citizens in World War I and celebrates the victory and peace that ensued."
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 25,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of instructional and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.
