Lot Number 109
Click coin to enlarge
Al Overton: Lobbyist and Numismatic Activist -
Big things were happening in 1964 and 1965 at the United States Mints. The composition of our dimes, quarters and half-dollars went from 90% silver to clad or, in the case of half-dollars, 40% silver. Gresham’s law took immediate effect. A severe coin shortage was the result. Congress was considering bills to issue silver dollars and to keep “1964” as the date on coins minted in 1965. Al Overton began a campaign to oppose these proposals. In June and July 1964 he shared his thoughts with several U.S. Senators and Congressmen. His correspondence often began,
May I urge you and your committee to oppose with every iota of power and influence you have, the ridiculous and primitive proposal to mint coins in 1965, and subsequent years, with the false date of 1964 on them.
This lot consists of 6 carbon copies of Overton’s letters to Congressmen and a pair of original replies, received in June and August 1965, from Colorado Senators Gordon Allott and Peter Dominick.