Seattle World's Fair - Million Dollar Display

1962 Seattle World’s Fair

$1,000,000 Silver Dollar Display

One of the premier attractions at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair was the the $1,000,000 Silver Dollar Display.

Three numismatists from Walla Walla, Washington were instrumental in bringing the silver dollars to the fair. Together, Barnard Tomlinson, Vernon Bosley & Lawrence McBride formed Northwest Historic Medals Inc..

They had intended to strike and sell a series of eight high relief medals commemorating the Century 21 Exposition. Their idea was to house the eight medals along with an already-authorized U.S. Mint medal in a specially designed Whitman Coin Folder. (refer to the High Relief Medals page)

When Northwest presented their idea to the Seattle World's Fair officials, they also presented the idea of bringing one million silver dollars to the fair. The proposal was greeted with so much enthusiasm that in addition to handling the $1,000,000 Silver Dollar Display project, they were also given the exclusive contract to design and distribute the medals as official souvenirs of the fair.

In their effort to get the medals ready for the April 21st opening, The $1,000,000 Silver Dollar Display project was left to last. Not until January of 1962 did Northwest go prospecting for the million dollars.

It was a chance steel building advertisement that directed Mr. Tomlinson to Behlen Manufacturing Company.

His inquiry relayed to Walter D. Behlen, president, said in essence: "Your steel building looks like it could hold a million silver dollars. Do you want to furnish the building and the million dollars?"

Front ~ Souvenir Certificate

“I’ve Seen One Million Silver Dollars”

These were handed out during the Fair showcasing the $1,000,000 Display

Value: $35.00 - $45.00

Very Scarce

Back ~ Souvenir Certificate

“I’ve Seen One Million Silver Dollars”

These were handed out during the Fair showcasing the $1,000,000 Display

Value: $35.00 - $45.00

Very Scarce

Behlen Mfg. Co.

The Behlen brothers seemed to have a sixth sense for high-profile promotion opportunities. Their involvement in the highly publicized atomic test was certainly an example of that sensitivity. But another opportunity was soon to follow.

The 1962 World’s Fair was scheduled to be held in Seattle, Washington, and a search for unique attractions was underway. One idea considered by fair promoters was to exhibit a huge pile of silver dollars – one million to be exact. At the time, it was an astronomical sum of money. The questions – how could it be done and who would be willing to do it?

The concept eventually made its way to the ears of Behlen Sales Manager, Gerry Joseph, who in turn, presented it to the Behlen brothers. The idea, a bit overwhelming at first, was enthusiastically accepted, and logistical planning began.

The silver dollars were to be carried from the U.S. mint in Philadelphia across the country in two semi trailers. They could be viewed through special windows, and each stop along the way was heavily promoted. Thousands of people were to see the dollars before they even got to Seattle.

At the fair, the dollars were housed in a specially designed Behlen building. How were they displayed? In a Behlen corn crib, of course!

The nationwide publicity was spectacular; but even more significant, the sale of silver dollars and medallions at the fair covered the entire cost.

As some friends were to say, “Not a bad trick for a bunch of country boys.”

Reprinted with permission;

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Behlen Mfg. Co.

4025 E. 23rd St.

PO Box 569

Columbus, NE 68602-0569