So-Called Dollars

Jamestown Tercentennial Exposition - 1907 - Norfolk County, VA

Purpose: To commemorate 300th anniversary of "first permanent settlement of...North America by English speaking people" and "to illustrate history, inculcate patriotism and show the value of education."

Organization: Early as 1900, Association for Preservation of Virginia Antiquities passed resolution "to celebrate in some befitting manner." Conceived originally as "great historical and educational Exposition...with no hope or purpose of vying with industrial fairs of past." Feature was to be International Naval, Marine and Military Celebration so that "all navies of all Nations" could honor "the hardy mariners" who established Colony.

Exposition Company chartered March 1902, public subscription to stock. State granted $300,000; Congress was asked for $3,000,000. Latter created U. S. Ter-Centennial Commission (Secretaries of Treasury, Navy and War) but originally voted only $250,000. After two years and much controversy, Federal grant increased to $700,000 plus later "loan" of $1,000,000.

Site: Sewell’s Point, Norfolk County, 7 miles north of Norfolk — about 340 acres with frontage of 5,000 ft. on Hampton Roads; now U. S. Naval Base. (Jamestown Island, itself, is situated 30 miles up James River to northwest.)

Dates, Attendance: April 26 to Nov. 30, 1907. Paid attendance about 1,400,000 vs. 5,000,000 anticipated.

Participants:There was sharp distinction between "International Naval...Celebration" and Exposition. Latter not designated by U. S. as World’s Fair, President Roosevelt’s proclamation March 1905 limiting foreign invitations to armies and navies. European war fleets appeared in numerous demonstrations; highlighted by giant naval parade in Hampton Roads May 13, 300th anniversary of Jamestown Landing. On grounds each day were over 4000 soldiers of National Guard units, U. S. Army and Marine detachments, etc.

As to exposition itself, 25 states participated, 21 and 6 Latin American countries erecting own buildings. Industrial exhibits finally reached total of almost 2,000 but with less than 30 foreign ones. Historical societies from everywhere most active and permanent memorial dedicated on Jamestown Island. Federal displays included Mint Exhibit.

Comment: While President Roosevelt "officially opened," exposition never recovered from lack of formal U. S. recognition as World’s Fair and from tardy decision to solicit industrial and foreign exhibits. Chronic financial difficulties resulted in crippling construction delays; there was tragedy as to incompleteness on opening day involving grounds, buildings, piers and exhibits. Hostile national press developed with brutal impact on attendance. However, for final 2½ months, exposition was marvel of beauty — a "Colonial Acropolis." Outstanding were Raleigh Square (main plaza) and Government Piers, latter "the most beautiful single feature."

Medals: Official Medals below were struck in Mint Exhibit on grounds.

OFFICIAL MEDALS

Obverse: Female Indian bust (Pocahantas) l. in center circle; outside around, Ter-Centennial of the Settlement of Jamestown; below 1607—1907 beaded border.
Reverse: Sailing ships in center circle; outside around, Landing of Expedition Under Capt John Smith; below May 13. 1607.; beaded border.

HK-344 - Silver. Size 22.
HK-345 - Silver-plated Bronze.
HK-346 - Bronze.
HK-347 - Gilt.

BATTLESHIP VIRGINIA DOLLARS

Obverse: Battleship, on ribbon above Virginia - all within center circle; outside, above Jamestown Exposition; below 1907
Reverse: Sailing ship, on ribbon above Virginia - all within center circle; outside, above Jamestown Exposition; below 1607

HK-348 - Silver. Size 23.

Obverse: Exposition grounds and buildings, above l. 16, above r. 07, below April 26 to Dec. 1 - all within center circle; outside above, Jamestown Exposition; below Norfolk, Va. 1907 ; beaded border.
Reverse: At top 1607, sailing ships below; across, on band, TerCentennial; Battleship below; in small letters below, U. S. Battleship Virginia; below 1907; beaded border.

HK-349 - Brass, reeded edge. Size 23.
NOTE: Three reverse die varieties known of this last medal.

Image provided by Jonathan Brecher