Commems Collection Classic: 1936 Lynchburg, VA Sesquicentennial - Senator Glass' Birthday

The half dollar that marks the 150th Anniversary of the Lynchburg, Virginia Charter was approved by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on May 28, 1936. As collectors of the series will likely recall, the coin features a portrait of Senator Carter Glass on its obverse. (Glass was one of just a handful of living persons to be depicted on a classic-era US commemorative coin. For a story about this "club," see: Quick Bits #07 - Alive And Well (At The Time!).)

Senator Carter Glass

(Image Credit: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. Public Domain.)

Earlier in 1936, Senator Carter Celebrated his 78th birthday - on January 4, 1936 (b. 1858; d. May 28, 1946). At the time, a pair of Senators - Joseph Taylor Robinson (D-AK) - Yes, THAT Senator Robinson - and William Edgar Borah (R-ID) rose on the Senate floor to offer him best wishes on his day and express their admiration for him.

"BIRTHDAY OF SENATOR CARTER GLASS

"Mr. ROBINSON. Mr. President, before moving a recess I deem it appropriate to state that tomorrow friends of the senior Senator from Virginia [Mr. GLASS] will commemorate the anniversary of his birth. Some controversy has arisen as to the number of the anniversary. Some have insisted that it is the one hundred and seventy-eighth anniversary. [Laughter.] Others, including the Senator from Virginia, think that the correct record should be reflected by thirty-eight. [Laughter.] I have examined the authentic record and find that it will be the seventy-eighth anniversary.

"We all rejoice in the vigor of mind and body which the senior Senator from Virginia demonstrates. He has had a long and honorable service in the Government of our country. As a Member of the House of Representatives he demonstrated brilliancy of intellect and thorough grasp of public issues. As Secretary of the Treasury he served efficiently during a period of great anxiety and responsibility. By his labors in this body he has earned the affection of all his associates.

"I am happy to have the opportunity of taking note of and making remarks on these facts today since the Senate is not expected to be in session tomorrow.

"Mr. BORAH. Mr. President, the anniversary of the birth of the distinguished Senator from Virginia [Mr. GLASS] makes the day one of felicitation and pride to all his colleagues. I am unwilling to pass it by without an expression of congratulations and esteem.

"Senator GLASS has had a long and notable public career. It is rich with words and deeds which will have a permanent and highly honorable place in the history of his State and of the Nation. Endowed with uncommon ability, gifted with a power of expression which belongs to few men, aggressive and courageous in any cause which engages his attention, lie enjoys the confidence and the profound respect of his colleagues and of the people, not only of his own State and the Nation but of a vast number far beyond the borders of his own country.

"We are all delighted that this anniversary finds him, as has been true for many years, engaged in constructive legislation, giving to the country the benefit of his trained mind, his firm grasp of public questions, his mature judgment, and his sound and exceptional understanding of the public good."

With such widespread, bipartisan accolades, it is not all that surprising that use of his likeness was approved for the Lynchburg half dollar.

1936 Lynchburg, VA Sesquicentennial Half Dollar



For more of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including others about the Lynchburg half dollar, see: Commems Collection.