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Winter 21102, V(il. 19, Mi. 2 Tilt inurnal ol I lie Suciely Inr U.S. i:nmmt'mnrative Cnins • Pi). Bnx 2335 • llunlingtnn lltac li, CA 92647 “COLUMBIAN QUAR. DOL.” (ISABELLA QUARTER) SOCIETY FOR U.S. COMMEMORATIVE COINS A Not-for-Profit Corporation Society Officers: August 2001 to August 2002 President.Anthony Swiatek Vice President.Robert Van Ryzin Secretary...Gary Beedon Treasurer.Mary Beedon Communications Chairperson..Vacant ANA Club Representative.Vacant Journal Editor.Gary Beedon Society Mailing Address: Gary Beedon SUSCC (General correspondence. P.O. Box 2335 dues, donations, etc.) Huntington Beach, CA 92647 Telephone: (714) 963-6138 Journal Mailing Address: Gary Beedon (Letters to the Editor P.O. Box 2335 articles, photos, etc.) Huntington Beach, CA 92647 E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: (714) 963-6138 The Commemorative Trail Official Publication of the Society for U.S. Coins Winter Issue - 2002 Departments 2 The President’s Office 3 The Vice President’s Report 6 TRAIL MIX” (E-mail, Letters & Misc.) 8 Talking Commemoratives © Articles & Features A New Book! 4 A New Book! A New Book! 17 Pioneer Memorial By Robert R. Van Ryzin 22 Trygve Rovelstad’s Studio...Rare 1982 Photos By Anthony Swiatek 25 The Isabella Quarter By Bill Cregan 27 The Norse-American Centennial Medals of 1925 By David Schmidt 29 The Capitol Visitor Center Commemorative Coins By United States Mint 32 Grading Services By James Halperin EDITORIAL POLICY The Commemorative Trail publishes articles and features from a wide variety of authors and sources To preserve the integrity of the authors and the contents of items submitted, your editor often leaves most everything intact. It should be stated that the contents of the material and the opinions stated therein do not necessarily reflect the positions and opinions of the editor or the society as a whole. What will we print in the next issue? It depends on our members! Gary Beedon, SUSCC Editor, P.O. Box 2335, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 E-mail: [email protected] The President’s Office By Anthony J. Swiatek (R-0004, NY) Greetings and Good Wishes to all Society members in 2002! It has been a little more than a year since the passing of Helen Carmody Lebo. She not only held almost every society's office, but also was loved and well respected by virtually everyone who crossed her path. Let us not forget the time, love and effort she put into this organization over the years and remember her in our prayers. Thank you. Thought it's about time for a change of my photograph, which accompanies this page - especially when our younger Vice President starts looking older than yours truly. See the real me - minus that darker and fuller head of hair (less hairs per square inch of scalp) in the next issue. Ten years of serving on the American Numismatic Association's (ANA) Board of Governors - especially in the capacity as its 50th President will have such an effect. Speaking of Robert Van Ryzm (RVR), kudos to him for his A+ article and photographs, which appeared in the March 2002 issue of Krause Publications Coins magazine. Strongly recommend its acquisition. Our marvelous editor has arranged with RVR - editor of this wonderful magazine - for its inclusion in The Commemorative Trail. Thought of sharing within these pages an untold story about my trip to Elgin, Illinois in November 1981. Purpose of the journey was to visit with Trygve A. Rovelstad and see his studio, which housed the 12-foot Pioneer Memorial Statue. Such as you know is depicted on the 1936 Elgin half dollar reverse. Would like to welcome our new Treasurer, Mary Beedon. Knowing her background, I can exclaim that we are most fortunate to have such a very dedicated and efficient person to accept the position. Same is to be said for the efficiencies of our Editor-Secretary and Vice President. Numismaticallv yours. Clnt/uau/ J. Satiated 1 The Vice President’s Report By Bob Van Ryzin (R-1973, Wl) One of the perks of working professionally in your hobby, as 1 do, is that you sometimes get the chance to go behind an important story. This happened for me when I traveled to Elgin, Ill., in early October of last year to witness the unveiling of Trygve Rovelstad's Pioneer Memorial. I had had the privilege of seeing Rovelstad's statue in 1993 on a visit to Rovelstad's home and studio. At that time, it was still in its plaster form, secured by ropes. It was an impressive sight, as the 12-foot high grouping took up much of what otherwise was a normal house. Surrounding it were study heads, miniatures, and other examples of Rovelstad's life work. Accompanying me on that trip were Helen and Don Carmody, who were attending the Central States Numismatic Society convention in Chicago. I was there as part of the Krause Publications' crew. If memory serves me, it was at a Society for U.S. Commemorative Coins meeting that Helen had invited society members to join them for the trip to Elgin to visit the studio and meet with Gloria Rovelstad. Trygve had died in 1990. I was happy for the chance as I was quite familiar with Rovelstad's commemorative com and have an interest in sculptors who designed U.S. coins, having researched and written about several of these, including Augustus Saint-Gaudens, James Earle Fraser and Hermon A. MacNeil. Rovelstad's Pioneer Memorial, which is shown on the 1936 Elgin half dollar's reverse (the obverse depicts the head of the scout from this same grouping), was at that time still housed in the Elgin studio it had languished in for years. As most society members are aware, although Rovelstad was commissioned in the 1930s to prepare the statue honoring Elgin's centennial, it was never installed. Subsequent attempts to bring the Pioneer Memorial out into public view also failed. Gloria died in 1999. Helen and Don, who I know greatly enjoyed their visit to Rovelstad's studio, have also since passed away. Over the last several years, through the dedication of the members of the Pioneer Memorial Foundation of Illinois, with support from the city of Elgin and numerous civic and business organizations, Rovelstad's dream of finally having his Pioneer Memorial bronzed and displayed in public finally became a reality on Oct. 11, 2001. With good fortune, I was able to attend the unveiling ceremony along with collector Rollie Firmer. It was great to see the memorial grouping at its permanent location, overlooking the Fox River. For me, it was also affirmation of my belief that the stories behind a coin's origin are many times more interesting than its rarity, mintage or market value. This I find particularlv true of U.S. commemoratives, as too many general numismatic press stories in the past have focused on market abuses rather than the true purpose and the people behind the original issue. 3 1 here s no doubt that such abuses existed, particularly with the early 20th century commemoratives, but many times the preoccupation with such greed overshadows a much richer, uplifting story. I O J In the case of the Elgin half dollar there was a deeply personal story of one man's dream and its final realization. Oct. 11, 2001, was a proud day for the city of Elgin, the Rovelstad family, and, I am sure, an inspiration for numismatists. Van Siiytin A New Book! A New Book! A New Book! Just off the printing presses of Amos Press, Inc. (Coin World) is Anthony Swiatek’s latest book This is the second edition of Commemorative Coins of the United States Identification and Price Guide List price is $16 for this 6 x 9 x .75 soft cover book. For $11 plus $4 shipping, SUSCC members will be able to obtain a 416-page copy directly from the author and SUSCC President, known as “Mr. Commem.” In my opinion this is a book one can actually use in my opinion (SUSCC editor). With its handy size and lightweight, it easily transportable to coin shows and other events for easy “on the spot” coin reference. If your memory recall is like mine, this book will help, when the information is needed. Coverage of all U.S. commemorative coins, including modern issues, is included as of the print date. Did I mention that it is also easy to read and understand? For a picture of the book, see the inside back cover or IBC. Thanks for the Donations! As the Commemorative Society members’ envelopes started arriving in December, we were pleasantly surprised by how many members included donations to SUSCC. It was sort of like being on a PBS TV station while people phoned in pledges...almost! To those wonderful SUSCC members who went the extra mile, you deserve a grand thank you! At least one donor has requested that his name not be printed in the “Trail” for obvious reasons. A special thanks from the society go out to the following individuals: J. Diefenbach, Jr., B. Shuler, J. Whelan, R. & J Mercer, R Mitchell, D Robertson, J. Zaumeyer and M. Steelman. 4 Society of United States Commemorative Coins December 31,2001 A brief report... (As Read to the SUSCC attendees at the FUN Show) Late in November, both my wife Mary and myself* agreed to take over the SUSCC functions of Treasurer and Secretary. As such, both of us function as Treasurer(s) and I (Gary) function as the Secretary. On December 1,2001 we took possession of the SUSCC treasury materials from the Yahaloms, who have resigned. We promptly sorted through the material and found that there was plenty of work to be done. One can still say that we still have most of the hair on our heads! (grin) We have opened up a new SUSCC checking account at Downey S & L near us. Dues requests were mailed out about a week later. At this time we have received about half of what we mailed out with dues and even some donations, etc. They are arriving at a rate of 5 to 10 per day, except Sunday. Of the dues paying members, some have paid for additional years. Others have made donations to the Society ranging from $10 to $60 in addition to paying dues. For this, we say, thank you for your generosity. As of the last day of year 2001, the Society has 305 members. Two have sent notices of resignation. Twenty-seven (edited 2-1-02) are life members (LM). One of the SUSCC life members has moved and has not sent in a change of address. Where is Valerie Olander? We are in the process of locating member numbers for fourteen regular members. Treasury of SUSCC as of December 31, 2001... Downey S & L checking account, $2918.50 Downey S & L CD (matures 3-2-02), $13,692.50 Santa Barbara Bank checking account, $1479.14 Santa Barbara Money Market account, $749.84 Total money assets = $18,839.98 The printer has been paid for the Fall 2001 issue of the journal. The Editor’s stipend and the dues mailing costs (postage, envelopes, and labels) have not been deducted from the Society. Respectfully, Gary Beedon (Secretary and Editor) (Beedon Mary Beedon (Treasurer) .Mauj (Beedon (* As of 2-3-02, Gary Beedon will only assist the SUSCC Treasurer, Mary Beedon) 5 “TRAIL MIX” (E-mail, Letters & Misc.) E-mail from Ray Mercer Raymond355(a aol.com December 27, 2001 Greetings, Gary! It was with interest and some amusement I read "Have You Seen This Holder" by Dave Provost. Almost 30 years ago, I encountered this same holder, but haven't seen another one again until I opened my latest edition of the Trail. To make a long story short, I owned and operated a retail coin store in Stamford, Connecticut from the early 70s to 1980. During the course of business, it was not unusual for me to buy from the public numismatic odd lots, hoards and collections. One day a fellow came in to sell me his coins. He had inherited his father's collection and had added to it over the years, but now needed money to help fund a down payment on a home for one of his own children. As we were going over his coins, he reminisced about his boyhood in Minneapolis. Complete with stories about heavy snowfall and the bitter cold. He also told me of accompanying his father to buy coins. All in all, we had a fun chat. In with the collection were a dozen or so of these cardboard holders. He had two different types; three holes and four. They were made of the same material as the black Cincinnati P-D-S holders one occasionally encounters. These holders contained mainly commemoratives along with a few proof Walking Liberty half dollars. If my memory serves me well, the commemoratives were nothing special. They were far from a complete type set. The pre-1930 commemoratives were circulated and heavily cleaned. The post 1930 examples all common. There were duplicates of the common types. Obviously, these coins had been placed haphazardly in these holders merely for storage. However, I too was curious about the Norse Medal printed on the holders. The collection contained none of these medals, incidentally. The seller told me Elias Rasmussen was his father's com dealer back in Minneapolis in the old days. Apparently, Rasmussen, proud of his Nordic heritage, simply used the Norse Medal as a logo for his business. Not unlike how some dealers incorporate their favorite coins into their logo today. When commemoratives were all the rage back in the 1930s, this fellow, Rasmussen, had these holders printed up with his name and address to promote his business. There were also some paper, 2x2 coin envelopes with this dealer's name on them, but I don't recall a Norse Medal illustration. Well, I hope my little story has been helpful. I'm sure you'll get more detailed feedback from members in the Minneapolis area. Although no longer dealing in coins, I still look forward to reading my Trail. Keep up the good work! I would like to take this opportunity to say "Hi" to Anthony and all my other old pals. I think of all of you! Best wishes, Ray Mercer R-20 6 E-mail from Richard J. Kolodziej December 20. 2001 Dear folks: Since I no longer collect U.S. Commemorative coins (or any other coins) and only own a few, I have no reason to continue my membership in SUSCC. I am therefore notifying you that I am not renewing my membership. It's been fun knowing some of the old-timers in the club, some of whom have passed on or have otherwise gone trom the scene. I wish you and the club all the success possible in the future. Very sincerely, Richard J. Kolodziej Member # R-414 Letter from Thomas M. Barosko Jan. 8, 2002 Dear Gary: By now I am sure that you have read the two articles by Robert R. Van Ryzin, one in the November 27th, 2001 edition of the Numismatic News concerning the dedication and unveiling of the Pioneer Memorial Statue, designed by Trygve Rovelstad. back in the 1930’s, and the second as a viewpoint in the January 15th, 2002 N.N. My wife Margie and I had toured the Rovelstad studio along with Robert, and Don and Helen Carmody, and viewed the plaster statue, as well as the many other works of the Rovelstad family. We also attended the Dedication and Unveiling of the statue on November 11th of 2001, and took a number of pictures of the ceremony. Robert’s articles cover all of this, which I hope can be published in an upcoming journal. The journals will be kept longer than the newspapers, which is as it should be. I have written to Robert and he has (I hope) corresponded all of this to you by now. I am enclosing the program that was given out that day, as well as just one picture, (Robert took many) showing the crowd viewing the unveiling from the riverside. If you can use this, do so, but if possible return it to me, for my record, when you are finished with it. 1 do hope you will consider this material. You and Mary are doing a great job, but I hope that you don’t bum out. Take care. jfuL/tuid ‘Bautd/ui Thomas M. Barosko P.0. Box 205 Fox Lake, IL 60020—0205 P.S. Here it is January 8th, and we haven’t had enough snow to unwrap the snow shovels. 7 Dedication and unveiling of tl\e (Slqin statue on j\) ovember I lt!\ of 200^1 (Plioto by Tkomas Sarosko) 8