The League of Nations was the brainchild of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, based on the ideals to prevent another war as horrific as World War I. The concept of a "League of Nations" then became part of the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed on June 28, 1919 after World War I.
Interestingly, due to differences of monetary control/policies proposed by the League, the U.S. Senate did not agree with the proposed policies and subsequently voted down participation within the League, despite requests from Woodrow Wilson.
Listed below are the founding members of the League that represents 42 countries, or from your perspective, 42 coins. Though only 42 coins, this may prove somewhat of a challenge as some of the countries listed are no longer in existence and acquiring some specimens may require a little effort. Plan out which coins you'd like to pursue and have fun!
Founding Members of the "League of Nations"
- Argentina
- Australia
- Belgium
- Bolivia
- Brazil (withdrew 14 June 1926)
- Canada
- Chile (withdrew 14 May 1938)
- Republic of China
- Colombia
- Cuba
- Czechoslovakia (left 15 March 1939 )
- Denmark (withdrew July 1940)
- El Salvador (withdrew 11 August 1937)
- France (Vichy France withdrew 18 April 1941; withdrawal not recognised by Free French forces)
- Greece
- Guatemala (withdrew 26 May 1936)
- Haiti (withdrew April 1942)
- Honduras (withdrew 10 July 1936)
- British India
- Italy (withdrew 11 December 1937)
- Japan (withdrew 27 March 1933)
- Liberia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua (withdrew 27 June 1936)
- Norway
- Panama
- Paraguay (withdrew 23 February 1935)
- Persia (known as Iran from 1934)
- Peru (withdrew 8 April 1939)
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania (withdrew July 1940)
- Siam (known as Thailand from 1939)
- Spain (withdrew May 1939)
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Union of South Africa
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- Venezuela (withdrew 12 July 1938)
- Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (known as Yugoslavia from 1929; left 17 April 1941; rejoined October 1944)