Q. David Bowers
"I want to send you two coins to be framed with your picture if your time will permit you to do this. Please don't hesitate to tell me frankly, Adam, whether you may be able to do this. I know how busy you must be and I would not, under any circumstances, want you to feel that you should do this, although I do most earnestly want your picture with the coins framed with it if you can spare the time to let me have it.
"Incidentally, is there any process by which the coins can be protected? I recall in one of our conversations you said something about some method which gives such protection.
"With high personal regards, I am
"Sincerely yours,
"[signed] Ralph Evans"
Note added by Adam Pietz to the bottom of his copy of the above letter (in handwriting at bottom right): "I certainly will take time to put the oxydice [sic] on your 2 coins. Coins not oxydiced will keep clean with a little camphor in a frame or a case."
Letter from Ralph Evans to Adam Pietz, datelined Davenport, Iowa, March 6, 1947:
"Dear Adam:
"Many thanks for your letters of February 26 and 28, which were received during my absence from the city.
"First, let me thank you for placing my letter regarding the photographs in the proper channels. I have received the prints I wanted, and just as soon as I can get my desk cleared, I want to have these framed and sent to the various individuals in the group picture. Your exhibit has been on display at Younker Bros. and has likewise been given some very good publicity. As a matter of fact, we mention edit over our own radio station WHO.
"I'm glad you received the copy of The Numismatist, and I shall, of course, appreciate receiving a copy of The Coin Collector's Journal. The Iowa coin has met with a remarkable sale. You will note from the enclosed postal-card that the entire issue will undoubtedly be disposed of within the next few weeks. As a matter of fact, there are only approximately 3,000 coins left out of the entire issue of 100,000. You can be sure that we shall seek and grasp any opportunity to recommend your services.
"In your letter you state that some of these bills authorizing commemorative coinage have already been passed. However, judging from news releases, I under-stand the President and the Treasury Department are strongly opposed to the issuance of coins, and want medals prepared instead. It may be that the Iowa half dollar and the Booker T. Washington half dollar will be the last commemorative coins issued.
"Sincerely yours, "[signed] Ralph Evans"
Letter from Ralph Evans to Adam Pietz, datelined Davenport, Iowa, March 28, 1947:
"Dear Adam:
"You will be very glad to know that the distribution and sale of the Iowa commemorative half-dollar has met with remarkable success. By the end of this week all of the coins available will have been sold. The enclosed form notices sent out by the committee will be of interest to you.
"Herewith, I am also sending you, with my compliments, two prints of the photograph taken when the first coin was struck at the Mint in Philadelphia. I have told the members of our committee many times that, in my opinion, it was doubtful that the coin could have been issued in the time available had it not been for your splendid enthusiasm and effective and efficient work.
"I trust the kind Fates in their spinning have interwoven future meetings for us.
"With deepest appreciation, and with the earnest hope that success will continue to crown your efforts, I am
"Sincerely,
"[signed] Ralph"
Committee Describes Distribution
Mimeographed form letter mailed by the Iowa Centennial Committee, Des Moines, February 12, 1947:
"Gentlemen:
"90,000 of the Iowa Statehood Centennial half dollars have already been sold within the state of Iowa alone-and practically 85,000 of these were sold under a plan of distribution and sale which restricted one coin to a customer. A record never before equalled in the history of commemorative coin sale and distribution. Iowa banks in a joint program with the Iowa Centennial Committee sold the above number of coins in a thirty-day campaign during which Iowans and former Iowans the world around purchased the coin as mementoes of the state's first century of progress and to share in creating the Iowa Centennial Memorial Fund.
"As you undoubtedly know, this particular commemorative issue was limited to 100,000 coins. Once exhausted there will be no more minted. In addition to the 90,000 coins sold in Iowa, 5,000 coins have been shipped to out-of-state purchasers, and a steady flow of orders continues daily as coin collectors and other folk interested learn that this Iowa commemorative half dollar is still available by direct purchase, and how and where to order it. The splendid cooperation of press and radio assures widespread dissemination of this information and based upon the present daily rate of sale, the remaining 5,000 coins will be sold in less than thirty days.
"We make these statements to you be-cause of certain propaganda which is being circulated among coin dealers to the effect that Iowa is unable to sell her issue and that a large surplus of the coins will be thrown on the market at a reduced price. Any such representation is false. On the contrary, we have raised the price to a flat level of $3.00 per coin, within and without the state, regardless of where purchased or the number of coins purchased. With 95,000 coins already sold, the campaign-from the Committee's point of view-is a unique success, and there is most certainly no good reason to presume that the comparatively small number of coins remaining will not soon be sold; in fact, it is only sensible to conclude otherwise. Furthermore, none will be sold at less than the $3.00 per coin price.
"We bring this to your attention so you may if you so desire, purchase a supply of these coins before the issue is exhausted. Until now we have concentrated on filling small orders because the volume was so heavy it seemed doubtful we would have a surplus for larger orders. As of today, we have a small balance of coins, and while these are available, will accept larger orders than in the past. The enclosed blank includes directions on how to order and the rules governing the sale. Since we anticipate final disposition of these coins will be made by March 1st, we most earnestly urge immediate action by those desiring coins.
"Very truly yours,
"[signed] Edith Wasson McElroy
"Executive Secretary
"Iowa Centennial Committee"