Gast, Lee
Researcher of the early U.S. commemorative (1892-1954) series.
19 entries found
Displaying records 1 — 19
12/16/20231892-93 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar
Overview of the 1892-1893 U.S. commemorative half dollars issued in conjunction with the Columbian Exposition. Includes extensive references to original sources.
12/24/20231893 Isabella Quarter Dollar
Overview of the 1893 commemorative quarter dollar struck in conjunction with the Columbian Exposition, including extensive references to original sources.
1/11/20241900 Lafayette Memorial Silver Dollar
The story of the creation and isue of the 1900 Lafayette Memorial commemorative dollar coin, incorporating extensive original documentation.
1/30/20241921 Alabama Centennial Half Dollar
The story of the 1921 Alabama Centennial commemorative half dollar, including congressional legislation, numismatic varieties, design concepts, production, and distribution.
2/1/20241936 Albany Charter Half Dollar
A thorough treatment of the 1936 Albany Charter commemorative half dollar including legislative and artistic background.
2/22/20241937 Battle of Antietam, MD, Half Dollar
The story of the 1937 Battle of Antietam commemorative half dollar.
2/24/20241935-39 Arkansas Centennial Half Dollar
The story of the Arkansas Centennial commemorative half dollar, issued from 1935 to 1939.
3/30/20241936 San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Half Dollar
An examination of the 1936 commemorative half dollar honoring the construction of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Includes contemporary notes on the deisgn and creation of the coin.
6/28/20241925 California Diamond Jubilee Half Dollar
In-depth treatment of the 1925 commemorative U.S. half dollar, including related legislation and evolution of the design.
7/6/20241936 Bridgeport, Connecticut, Centennial Half Dollar
Legislative background and design evolution of the 1936 Bridgeport, Connecticut half dollar recognizing P. T. Barnum.
7/22/20241936 Cleveland Centennial Half Dollar
Legislative and design background of the 1936 Cleveland commemorative half dollar produced by the U.S. Mint. Includes related correspondence and notes on the distribution of the coin.
7/22/20241936 Cincinnati, Ohio, Musical Center Half Dollar
Legislative history and related correspondence surrounding creation of the 1936 Cincincnati commemorative half dollar coined by the U.S. Mint. Also covers initial distribution of the coin.
8/13/20241936 Columbia, South Carolina, Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
The story of the 1936 South Carolina commemorative half dollar, including the legislative background and Commission of Fine Arts correspondence.
9/29/20241935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar
Legislative, artistic, and historical background of the 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary commemorative half dollar.
11/19/20241936 Delaware/Swedish Tercentenary Half Dollar
Historical, legislative, and artistic background of the 1936 Delaware/Swedish Tercentenary commemorative half dollar coin.
11/22/20241936 Elgin, Illinois, Centennial Half Dollar
The 1936 Elgin, Illinois, Centennial Half Dollar was authorized by Congress to commemorate the city's 100th anniversary and the creation of a Pioneer Memorial. Designed by Trygve A. Rovelstad, the coin features a bearded pioneer on the obverse and a group of pioneers on the reverse, symbolizing the city's settlement and history. While 25,015 coins were initially minted, 5,000 were returned for melting due to slow sales. The coin's design reflects artistic elements from the Pioneer Memorial statue, which Rovelstad completed decades later in 2001. The proceeds from the coin sales helped fund the memorial's construction. Rovelstad, a prominent sculptor and medalist, contributed significantly to U.S. military and commemorative art, leaving a legacy of artistic and civic achievements.
12/28/20241893 World’s Columbian Exposition
1/3/20251936 Battle of Gettysburg, PA, Half Dollar
A detailed history and description, by Lee Gast, of the 1936 Battle of Gettysburg commemorative half dollar, authorized by Congress to mark the 75th anniversary of the battle. Designed by Frank Vittor, the coin features conjoined busts of Union and Confederate soldiers on the obverse and symbolic imagery on the reverse, representing unity and peace. Distributed by the Pennsylvania State Commission, these coins were sold for $1.65 each but later faced distribution challenges, with unsold pieces melted. The document highlights efforts to commemorate the battle through additional initiatives, such as a tent city for veterans and the Eternal Light Peace Memorial. It emphasizes the artistic and historical significance of the coin, celebrating reconciliation and shared heritage.
5/30/20251935 Hudson, NY, Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
