by Dave Provost

Most if not all, RCC members are aware of the Roanoke commemorative hail dollar. Released in 1937, the coin marked the 35Oth anniversary of Sir Walter Raleigh's attempt to colonize Roanoke Island. But are you aware that another North Carolina town was also considered for a commemorative half dollar?

In 1955, during the 84th Congress, legislation was introduced by Representative Bonner of North Carolina to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of Bath, NC. Now, having no previous knowledge of Bath, NC to consider, this legislation struck me as a prime example of the abuses that lead to the cessation of our first commemorative coinage series. On the surface, it appeared to be an anniversary of purely local or state interest and not worthy of national recognition.

But before I passed final judgement I decided to do a bit of research into Path, NC. I logged on to the Internet and went straight to my favorite search engine (ebay would have to wait!). My request of 'Bath North Carolina" quickly bought up a number of links to this historic little town (On a side rote. I can also now provide a rather comprehensive list of kitchen and bath dealers throughout the state of North Carolina if anyone is interested.)

It turns out that Bath, NC actually does have a notable place in history. It was the first town incorporated in the colony of North Carolina (1705), it was host to the colony's first public library as well as its first shipyard, and it was the site of the first courthouse in Beaufort County, St, Thomas Church the state's oldest is located in Bath and is still in use.

Bath is also notable for its role m the colony's early political history. The NC General Assembly met in Bath in 1743, 1744, ad 1752, and Bath was once considered for the colony's capital.

Bath's most famous citizen is Edward Teach. If the name is unfamiliar to you, let me give you another clue ever hear of a pirate named Blackbeard?

And so, armed with this newly acquired knowledge of NC's past I reevaluated my original stance. Unfortunately, to the dismay of Bathinians everywhere I didn't change my mind. Tough Bath certainly played a noteworthy role in North Carolina's development. I can't see how its significance ever extended beyond a purely local level.

The Bath bill was never passed by Congress, and so there is no Bath, NC commemorative half dollar for collectors to seek out and add to their collections. I can't help but think, that if a national commemorative medal had been requested instead of a coin, a U.S. Mint commemorative might actually have been struck.

Today, Bath is a small quiet town of just over 150 people. It offers glimpses into its historic past through a Visitor's Center and a group of restored colonial houses. My guess is that they've gotten over their snub by Congress, and have gotten on with their lives. But with 2005 just around the corner, one has to wonder if another attempt is not right now being prepared. Can you say Tercentennial?

Until next month, Happy Collecting!

ã Copyright Raleigh Coin Club   -  1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

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