Table Of ContentWinter 21102, V(il. 19, Mi. 2
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“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
