Eva Adams

Eva Adams (September 10, 1908 – August 23, 1991) was the Director of the United States Mint from 1961 to 1969.

Eva Adams
30th Director of the United States Mint
In office
October 1961 – August 1969
PresidentJohn F. Kennedy
Preceded byWilliam H. Brett
Succeeded byMary Brooks
Personal details
Born(1908-09-10)September 10, 1908
Wonder, Nevada, U.S.
DiedAugust 23, 1991(1991-08-23) (aged 82)
Reno, Nevada, U.S.
Parents
  • Verner Lauer Adams
  • Cora Varble
Occupation

Early life and career

Eva Adams was born in Wonder, Nevada[1] on September 10, 1908, the daughter of Verner Laur Adams and his wife Cora (Varble) Adams.[2] During Eva's childhood, the Adam's family moved around the state often as her father was called out to work to set up numerous facilities in mining camps for Wingfield. These facilities included hotels, commissaries, and bars. Due to the frequent re-locating in her early years she learned independence and how to make friends easily. Also Adams adapted to be happy where ever she was. Eventually Adams' mother insisted the family settle down in Reno, Nevada.[2] Adams graduated from Reno High School at age 14. She then attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta,[3] graduating in 1928, at age 19.[2]

After graduating from college, Adams moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to become a teacher at Las Vegas High School.[2] During this time, she became involved with the Clark County Democratic Party and was introduced to Pat McCarran.[2]

She returned to Nevada in 1940 to briefly join the English department of the University of Nevada, Reno; shortly thereafter, Pat McCarran, by now United States Senator for Nevada, invited her to move to Washington, D.C. to become his Administrative Assistant.[4] She worked for Senator McCarran until his death in 1954. She then worked for McCarran's successor, Ernest S. Brown, in 1954, and then Alan Bible from 1954 to 1960.[4]

In 1961, President of the United States John F. Kennedy named Adams Director of the United States Mint, and Adams subsequently held that office from October 1961 until August 1969.[4] Adams was recommended by Senator Alan Bible because of her previous knowledge and experience on precious metals. She was the second woman to hold the title of Director at the Mint.[5] Nonetheless, Adams had a significant impact. She cleaned up processes and made them more efficient. During her time there, they added approximately 100 new coin presses, which was outlined in her article on the “Changes in Coinage”.[6] She was present during The Coinage Act of 1965, which eliminated silver from the American dime and quarter.[4] She also helped plan the opening of the current Philadelphia Mint, which opened in 1969.[5] Once the Mint was operating, Adams resigned. This was primarily because President Nixon put pressure on Adams to leave, since he wanted a Republican as the director.[4]

Following her career at the Mint, Adams was the assistant to the chairman of Mutual of Omaha. She did this until 1978. During this time, she was also named director of the Medallic Art Company of New York City and served on the American Numismatic Association board of governors (1971-1875).[7]

Adams died in Reno on August 23, 1991.

Education
Eva Adam's Education[8]
Degree Institution Year
Bachelor of Arts University of Nevada 1928
Master's degree in English Columbia University 1936
Bachelor of Laws Degree American University Unknown
Master in Law George Washington University Unknown
Doctorate in Law American University Unknown

Awards and distinctions
  • Distinguished Nevadan Award at the University of Nevada (1963)[8]
  • Exceptional Service Award from Treasury Department (1966)[7]
  • Nevada's Outstanding Women of the Century (1973)[8]
  • NLG "Clemy" Award (1974) [7]
  • ANA Medal of Merit (1984) [7]
  • Nevada Women's Fund Hall of Fame (1985) [8]
  • Elected into ANA Hall of Fame (1986) [7]
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References
  1. "Adams, Eva Bertrand". Who Was Who in America, with World Notables, v. 10: 1989–1993. New Providence, NJ: Marquis Who's Who. 1993. p. 2. ISBN 0837902207.
  2. Bio from Nevada Women's History Project
  3. http://www.kappaalphatheta.org/iamatheta/notablethetas/index.cfm?from=IAmaThetaHeaderLink
  4. "Eva Adams". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 1999-02-07. Retrieved 2019-02-05.
  5. Haney, Thomas V. (1970-07-12). "Coins". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-02-05.
  6. Adams, Eva (July 1, 1968). "Changes in Coinage". Unknown: 2.
  7. "Newman Numismatic Portal at Washington University in St. Louis | Comprehensive Research & Reference for U.S. Coinage". nnp.wustl.edu. Retrieved 2019-02-05.
  8. "EVA BERTRAND ADAMS | Nevada Women's History Project". Retrieved 2019-02-05.
Government offices
Preceded by
William H. Brett		 Director of the United States Mint
October 1961 – August 1969		 Succeeded by
Mary Brooks
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