Sad sad display, they should be ashamed...

Rob790

I am talking about the Smithsonian's American History display of some of the most valuable and significant numismatic specimens to ever exist. I lived in DC up to about a year ago and on several occasions visited my favorite coin, the sacred 1849 Double Eagle, just love that thing! It is placed in a display with one each of the three 1804 dollars varieties and 2 1933 Double Eagles, probably close to $40 million worth of coins! You'd probably think that it be in some impressive display to draw attention to its importance, like the Hope Diamond or something, right? No, it's in a little end table looking display that has a little tattered wire connecting it to some security detector. I just got this impulse to pick it up and walk out with it cause it didn't seem like they cared if it was there.

The worst part was that on of the 1804 dollars had fallen off it's stand !! All three are placed on a stand with a mirror to enable viewing of the reverse. Well, one had fallen and was just laying there like a worthless state quarter, I wondered how many scratches it got on that little trip. I'm sure it had been there for a while also and probably jarred by some kid playing chase, who knows? I watched as people just walked by and didn't even notice these poor little gems.

While I was looking at the wall of 'common' gold coins on a wall lined with them, I saw a man intently looking at them and just saying- "These must be worth a fortune!" I kindly laughed and said "Well, that little nondescript display case over there is worth multiples of everything on this wall!" and briefly explained to him what was in there, at which time, he immediately ran over to the case and stood there for about 20 minutes studying it.

I am always disappointed when I see that display and wish someone who worked at the Smithsonian had the slightest appreciation for those coins. They at least deserve a decent eye-catching display and a reasonably interesting description as to their true value. Come-on, $40 million in coins deserve better than a $50 display case. That big blue piece of glass gets a very generous display and I think people are generally disappointed when they see it, I always hear- "I thought it was bigger??" when I'm by that area.

One more point, why don't they display the 1974 Aluminum Cent, I'd like to see that!

If you read all of this rant, then I am impressed!

Hedger

I agree it could have been better planned. The whole exhibit is too dark.

nwcs

Are they the real ones or electroplated copies for display purposes? I know some museums display copies and keep the real ones secure.

Stuart

Rob790: Maybe we should gain some industry support to have these historically significant national treasures properly conserved and displayed ... You made a good post with a strong point...

fcloud

Isn't the Smithsonian run by the government? What else whould you expect?

chrisfuccione

Yes they are the real ones. The Smithsonian know that people would have a field day if they found out one of the coins that were on display was a fake. I also was there last summer for about a half an hour because I was in DC on business and I was also not impressed with the set up. The descriptions did not do the coins any Justice. I spent most of my time showing the coins to a family that I met there.

On of the things I think they should look into is having a volunteer program where collectors and experts go in and give tours or be available to answer any questions. CHRIS

merz2

I agree whole heartily.The coins exibit leaves a lot to be desired.It is a shame and with the money the U.S. Govt made on the sale of the 1933 Dbl Eagle,you'd think some could have been used to fix that problem.

Bustman

I was there a few months ago, and while I was impressed with the amazing rarities, I was appalled at the way in which the coins were displayed. The end case that the 1804 dollar, 49 double eagle, and the 33 double eagle is not that bad, but the fact that the coins are poorly lit was a huge disappointment. I could barely see them.
Then there is the wall of gold. Absolutely amazing to see all those rare gold coins in one place. But there again, the lighting is poor, the coins are all covered in dust, and the display case itself looks like it was designed back in the 70's.
Maybe the ANA could get involved in an effort to help show these coins in a more befitting manor.

CapAnson

I think the Government should dissolve the collection and auction them off to collectors... they'll be better cared for that's for sure.. your average person going through the museum just won't appreciate them.

Dabigkahuna

I thuoght I read, maybe even on here, that the entire collection was under going some sort of conservation and that there was going to be a special section to display the entire collection...no?


Maybe it's one of those "uraban legends?"

boiler78

Larry
That would be nice but I'll believe it when I see it. The display is stagnant! I saw the collection for the first time in 1974 and again in 1997 and it seemed to be exactly the same! The real shame is the tens of thousands of coins impounded in storage somewhere in the bowels of the museum that will never see the light of day.

They presumably have duplicates, triplicates even quadruplicates of amazing rarities that will never be seen because they lack the funds to create a proper display. It has been said before and I'll say it again here, Why not have a panel of experts evaluate the collection to select the best examples and auction off the deadwood? The Smithsonian could then use the proceeds to upgrade the displays and develop or upgrade exhibits at various mint facilities.

Can you imagine the buzz this would create in the coin collecting world? I wonder how many auction sessions it would take? Does anybody know where to get an inventory of the collection?

Mark

Shamika

"one had fallen and was just laying there like a worthless state quarter"

Tootawl

While I haven't been able to find an inventory (yet), I was able to find out that the Smithsonian has "...over 450,000 coins, medals and decorations and 1.1 million pieces of paper money."

boiler78

Tootawl- I guess that would be one hell of a sale! Thats all the more reason to sell the duplicates. Sounds like a little spring cleaning would free up a lot of space!

Tootawl

I remember seeing a $100,000 bill on display. I'll be glad to take that one off their hands. That would leave them with 1,099,999 pieces of paper.