Owner Comments:
SO-CALLED HALF DOLLAR APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Choice Brilliant Gem+
*Gorgeous brilliant blast-white example; Deep lustrous fields with sharp frosty devices.*
SO-CALLED HALF DOLLAR BACKGROUND:
Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. — Celebration event was held in Colorado Springs, Colorado circa 1960.
DESIGNER: Robert McNamara
RARITY:
Production on this medal was to limited to 7,500 pieces. However, production limit number was never actually reached. As much as 50%, if not more, of the medals McNamara produced may have been melted.
(NGC Pop = 30; 23 Finer - NGC Total Pop = 84): [05/2022]
SO-CALLED HALF DOLLAR DESCRIPTION:
(Designed by Robert McNamara, .925 Sterling Silver, 262 Grains [16.98 Grams = 0.6 Troy Oz.], 30.5mm, Round, Reeded Edge)
OBVERSE: Boy Scouts of America / 1910 / (Image of a Boy Scout) / 1960
REVERSE: For God & Country / (Image of B.S.A. Emblem) / Be Prepared / 50 Years of Service
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
"The 1960 National Jamboree was held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from July 22 to 28 with the theme 'For God and Country' to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Boy Scouts of America. 56,377 Scouts and Explorers participated in the jamboree. To open the jamboree, 200 Native Americans set up a huge tepee village on stage as James Arness (Marshall Matt Dillon of television’s “Gunsmoke” series) narrated a western story. Scouts shared daily chores, cooked their own meals as was now the tradition, took part in displays, campfire gatherings, demonstrations, skill contests, a rodeo, and made inter-camp visits during the event." — Credited Source: Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America
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ADDITIONAL HISTORY:
“Purpose: To celebrate 50th anniversary of Boy Scouts of America.
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Organization: This was fifth and largest national encampment or Jamboree. "Two years of...work by hundreds of men" required to convert open range to Jamboree City, principally a tent city but with huge arena, roads, water mains, electric lines, own post office, bank, newspaper (90,000 copies daily) and stores, called Trading Posts. Jamboree was self-sustaining; financed by private contributions and $50 fee paid by each boy in camp. Of latter amount, $13 per capita was refunded.
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Site, Dates, Attendance: Camp site of 4 sq. mi. created on 2,500 acre Reverse J Diamond Ranch owned by late R. E. Johnson near Colorado Springs. Jamboree held July 22 to 28, 1960; over 200,000 visitors. Elsewhere, many "special procedures" took place in observance of anniversary, highlight being National Boy Scout Week, Feb. 7 to 13.
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Participants: Encamped were 56,377 Scouts from all 50 states, including 650 from 26 foreign countries.
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Comment: Scouts founded 1907 in England by Lord Robert Baden-Powell; incorporated in U.S. Feb. 8, 1910, in District of Columbia. Stated purpose is "...to promote...ability of boys to do things for themselves and others...to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance..." Over 30,000,000 Americans have been Scouts, with 2005 membership of nearly 3,000,000.
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Fiftieth Anniversary Jubilee Jamboree opened with pageant, "Spirit of America" with 6,000 Scouts participating before audience of 75,000. During week there were field sports, conservation educational programs, and daily demonstrations of Scouting skills. President Eisenhower and Lord Baden-Powell, son of founder, were distinguished guests. Called "largest camp for boys ever held in U.S." — Credited Source: Hibler and Kappen