Numismatic Commemorations of the 200th Birthday of George Washington in 1932

By The American Numismatic Society

This week, the ANS continues to highlight new books you might have missed. Today features Syd Martin’s massive monograph and catalogue of numismatic material produced on the occasion of George Washington’s 200th birthday.

The celebration of the bicentennial of the birth of George Washington in 1932 is perhaps the largest public demonstration of singularity of purpose the world has ever seen. Beginning in 1924 with the establishment of a National Committee chaired by the President of the United States and culminating with an incredible level of activity during 1932, it stands as a testimonial to our Founding Father.

As an illustration, during 1932, these included programs and presentations by:

• 126,870 town and cities
• 210,320 churches
• 85,344 fraternal, patriotic, and fraternal organizations
• 3,548,292 schools
• 751,468 women’s clubs
• 240,167 by agricultural organizations
• 153,478 by boy and girl scout organizations

There were over 73,000 Declamatory and Essay Contests sponsored by schools, with many more by private organizations. 33 cities in 17 countries named streets, boulevards, parks and squares for Washington. Many others honored him with lectures to statues to naming national holidays for him to having essay contests. 46 pageants were written, three songs composed, and countless speeches. With such an awesome outpouring of respect for a man—is it any wonder there are many numismatic tributes as well, the subject of this book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sydney F. Martin (1945–2021) was a Life Member of the Colonial Coin Collectors Club (C4), and for 10+ years was the editor of its award-winning quarterly C4 Newsletter. He was a life member, Fellow, and Past President of the American Numismatic Society (ANS). Martin presented at the Coinage of the Americas Conference and lectured at regional coin shows on various numismatic topics. A life member of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society, he served on its Board of Governors. He belonged to the American Numismatic Association as a life member, as well as to the Early American Coppers (EAC) club and the Token and Medal Society (TAMS). He authored four acclaimed books: The Hibernia Coinage of William Wood (1722–1724), The Rosa Americana Coinage of William Wood, French Coinage Specifically for Colonial America, and Saint Patrick Coinage (For Ireland and New Jersey). Martin grew up in a military family, moving about the country until high school, when his family settled in Warsaw, Indiana. He received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His career had been in the defense industry, in which he was regarded as an expert in systems analysis, intelligence, and counter-terrorism.

600 pp., full color throughout
Hardcover: $160 (incl. shipping & handling)
Hardcover ISBN 978-0-89722-371-3
Paperback: $110 (incl. shipping & handling)
Paperback ISBN 978-0-89722-378-2

ORDER NOW

Orders for the hardcover and print editions of this book are handled by the ANS directly, and your book(s) will ship via Ingram Spark’s printing facility that is nearest to you in approximately two weeks.
ANS Member discount applied during checkout