Q. David Bowers
Letter from Leland Howard to Adam Pietz, datelined Washington, D.C., September 27, 1946:
"Dear Sir:
"This will confirm a conversation had last week between you and a representative of this Bureau who read to you a letter of September 17, 1946, from the Fine Arts Commission. A copy of such communication is enclosed.
"The Bureau would appreciate advice as to when it is expected that your models will be submitted, in order that the Commission of Fine Arts may have an opportunity to examine them.
"Very truly yours, "Leland Howard
"Acting Director of the Mint "[Postscript.] Fine Arts Commission is having a meeting Oct. 4th."
Letter from Leland Howard to Adam Pietz, datelined Washington, D.C., September 27, 1946:
"Dear Sir:
"This will confirm a conversation had last week between you and a representative of this Bureau who read to you a letter of September 17, 1946, from the Fine Arts Commission. A copy of such communication is enclosed. (Minutes of the meeting of the Commission of fine me Arts held in Washington, October 4, 1946, note: "The Commission inspected the models and noted that Mr. Pietz had embodied a suggestion made by Mr. [Lee] Lawrie a few weeks ago, during an inspection of the design, that the eagle should have legs. In view of the fact that the models were submitted at such a late date, it being understood that the half dollar has to be minted during the year 1946, the Commission imposed no objection to the minting of this coin.")
"The Bureau would appreciate advice as to when it is expected that your models will be submitted, in order that the Commission of Fine Arts may have an opportunity to examine them.
"Very truly yours, "Leland Howard
"Acting Director of the Mint
"[Postscript.] Fine Arts Commission is having a meeting Oct. 4th."
Letter from Adam Pietz to Ralph Evans, October 14, 1946:
"Dear Sir:
"The models for the Iowa half dollar were in the hands of the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia October 11th and are now being engraved on the reducing machine. My work was O.K.ed by the Art Jury without a criticism, which is considered first rate.
"May I expect an answer from you by return mail?
"Yours sincerely, "Adam Pietz"
Letter from Ralph Evans to Adam Pietz, datelined Davenport, Iowa, October 15, 1946:
"Dear Mr. Pietz:
"Many, many thanks for your thoughtful telegram under date of October 10, advising that the models for the Iowa commemorative half dollar have been approved. Your telegram was received during my absence from Davenport, but the information was relayed to me.
"I likewise received a telegram from Mr. Leland Howard, acting director of the Mint, stating that the models were being forwarded to the Philadelphia Mint for reduction and preparation of the dies. I assume that from here on it is just a matter of time before we will actually have the coin available for distribution. We have advised Mr. Howard that we are hopeful that the coin will be minted promptly, 50 that we may have delivery between November 15 and November 30.
"I can assure you that each and every member of our Committee appreciates the prompt and effective cooperation you have given to the State of Iowa, and we believe that the coin itself will be one of the most beautiful commemorative coins ever is-sued. Our most hearty commendations and congratulations to you!
"If you will send me a statement covering your fee and the incidental expenses connected with your trips to Washington, I shall put it in the proper channels for payment.
"Sincerely yours,
"Ralph Evans, Chairman "Sub-Committee on Coin
"P.S. Just opened your letter of Oct. 14th. Again, my lasting appreciation for the splendid and effective manner you've handled this affair. Yours-Ralph Evans"
Letter from Adam Pietz to Ralph Evans, October 18, 1946:
"Dear Mr. Evans:
"Your very kind letter of Oct. 15, 1946, is before me and I am equally happy for the service I was able to render in regards to completing the models for the beautiful Iowa half dollar. I am keeping in touch with the Mint on the progress of the dies which are now being engraved.
"There is no question in my mind that your coins will be ready long before the 30th of November. Only one item above the original charge was added to the list, the special service I paid for the photographs. This item of $25.00 I will gladly exchange for the specimens of your half dollar.
"I am sending you several more photographs, large and small; also a picture of the Artist A. P. The bill is herewith enclosed in triplicate.
"Again my most hearty thanks for the great privilege of serving your State in my humble way, I am
"Yours very sincerely,
"Adam Pietz"