An interesting fact about the ANA Mueseum and Smithsonian Museum Collections

JrGMan2004

Both the American Numismatic Association Museum and the National Collection (Formerly) in the Smithsonian Museum, have 1802 Half-Dimes. Neither one is a genuine. Both coins are altered date 1802 Half-Dimes according to Logan and McCloskey. Pretty cool, eh? Makes you wonder if there are any other counterfeits floating around in either collection that are billed as a major rarity...

ColonialCoinUnion

I would wonder if an innocent looking numismatic scholar (perhaps in flip-flops) could have pulled the old switcheroo, replacing the genuine article with a counterfeit at some point. Its possible, isn't it?

Barry

Sheldon did it to the ANS.

kieferscoins

So you guys are suggesting someone did it both at the ANA and the Smithsonian also? What facts do you have to say it happened?

Cameron Kiefer

ColonialCoinUnion

<< <i>So you guys are suggesting someone did it both at the ANA and the Smithsonian also? What facts do you have to say it happened?

Cameron Kiefer >>



Absolutely none. Does seem odd though that both the ANA and the Smithsonian had a counterfeit example of the same coin in their respective collections.

kieferscoins

The ANA has tons of counterfeits. As a educational organization they are allowed by the Secret Service to have counterfeits so thaat others can learn from them.

Cameron Kiefer

ccex

<< <i>I would wonder if an innocent looking numismatic scholar (perhaps in flip-flops) could have pulled the old switcheroo, replacing the genuine article with a counterfeit at some point. Its possible, isn't it? >>



Why conjecture that the switcher wore flip-flops, instead of saying he was bearded, eccentric, well-published, or respected as an authenticator, and now deceased?

This is the first I've heard about these two 1802 half dimes, though. Keep this up and they will soon be as legendary as the 1894-S dimes, 1804 dollars, and 1913 Liberty nickels.

ColonialCoinUnion

<< <i>Why conjecture that the switcher wore flip-flops, instead of saying he was bearded, eccentric, well-published, or respected as an authenticator, and now deceased? >>



I'm sure many numismatists wear flip-flops. They're very comfortable.

JadeRareCoin

I always attend shows bare footed. Very comfy.

It is an interested fact about the 1802 half dime. CCU's suggestion is valid and deserves some consideration. Here's another: I know of several wealthy individuals who donate coins to museums to get at tax deduction. Why not donate an altered date coin as the real thing? Investment: $20. Tax write-off: $100,000. An extra vacation in the South of France: Priceless

earlwbollinger

I like flip flops too.
But I don't have a beard or a mustache.

Conder101

I like sandals, I do have a beard and mustache, scraggly hair, and I happen to like tie-dyed shirts (Although I don't happen to have any at the moment.)

I am curious why CCU would suggest that a certain numismatist would have switched the coins since as far as I know he has never been suspected or accused of having switched coins anywhere else before.

lloydmincy

Jaderarecoin:

I concur with you exactly. But the planning for such a scam has to be done before death, and do the switcheroo while alive, and give the REAL ones to the heirs!!! What a great idea!!!

ColonialCoinUnion

<< <i>I like sandals, I do have a beard and mustache, scraggly hair, and I happen to like tie-dyed shirts (Although I don't happen to have any at the moment.)

I am curious why CCU would suggest that a certain numismatist would have switched the coins since as far as I know he has never been suspected or accused of having switched coins anywhere else before. >>



I wasn't suggesting it was Breen; I was attempting to make a humorous reference to flip-flops which had minutes earlier become a topic of conversation in the 'What would you want on the cover of your catalog' thread.

I can see how people concluded that I was accusing Breen, but I wasn't. I actually met Breen once, by the way, though I do not remember what shoes he was wearing.

morgannut2

I used to work at the Smithsonian and let me assure you that donations were a constant problem because many were overvalued, fake or downright tax scams. And you had the problem that many truly priceless items were mixed in with inauthentic material simply because the owner of the bequest really didn't know any better. Once in the National Collection it's next to impossible to deaquistion items because of all the paperwork Congress requires plus potential investigations over an OPINION. Pulling a switch in the coin vault or the gold/diamond subvaults could happen but boy there's a lot of security, and that's a Federal rap to boot. I'd advise those with flip-flops and sticky fingers to look elsewhere!!

xbob

Just a side note to anyone wanting to visit the Smithsonian collection...

I live nearby and recently went to the American History Museum where the public display is and it was closed.

A real bummer for anyone visiting that wanted to see the coins. They are putting in a new exhibit in the wing where the coins are and nobody at the information desk could tell me when it would be open again.

I just wanted to let anyone know to call the museum ahead of time so you don't waste a trip. At least there's plenty of other great stuff at the Smithsonian.

Also, a story about items walking... A friend of mine had a college roommate at U of MD who's dad worked for the National Archives and was apparently a little crazy. He would frequently bring them free "gifts" from the warehoused collections, and even came over once smoking cigarettes he said were from the civil war period. He eventually got busted, but to avoid embarrassment (of their security) they let him off if he kept it all quiet. Hopefully the security is much higher in the coin collection.

-xbob

Steve

xbob,
If you happen to read this reply you should be made aware of the fact that the coin exhibit at the Smithsonian's American History Museum has been CLOSED PERMENATELY!

xbob

That stinks! I've lived here and been visiting the Smithsonian my whole life but never saw the coins. I just got hooked into the hobby seriously this year and was hoping to go see the exhibit when it re-opened. Major bummer... but thanks for the info.