3100 Miles, Several Coin Shops, Scout Jamboree, and a full step Jefferson.

UtahCoin

Just finished a 2+ week trip which included all of the above. We traveled a lot of back roads in TN and VA and every now and then spotted a roadside sign that included "Coins" somewhere on the sign. Several stops, but nothing to even consider buying. A stop at Jefferson's Monticello proved very interesting in the gift shop. They had some period coins for sell, including 9 Capped Bust Half Dimes. Most of them cleaned or with a small bend or other such problem. But, when you're on the hunt for R-6, 7, and 8's, you can't be too picky. I buzzed out to the car, grabbed my Half-Dime book and a loupe and headed back in. I asked to see the 9 Baby Busts and they obligingly pulled them all out. During the next 20 minutes or so I explained to about 8-10 sales staff and customers what I was doing. Surprisingly, most everybody was very interested in what I was explaining (with the exception of my three daughters who were mortified that I might embarrass them). Alas, nothing was found that was rarer than an R-2. Decided to do the Monticello tour at 22 bucks a pop, but the ticket gal asked if we were with the Scouts, then gave us a great discount.

Then it was off to the Jamboree. Being the hardy outdoorsman, I checked us in at the Marriott in downtown Fredricksburg, VA. If you are ever there, you have to have Ice Cream at a place called Lee's just a block from the hotel. Low and behold, between the ice cream shop and hotel was a dusty old antique shop that had coins. The old guy must have had thousands of coins, all over priced, many with problems. He had 2 Trade Dollars in stock, one was a cast counterfeit. He was kind of shocked, asked me how to tell, then promptly tossed it in the trash. I did finally buy a couple of decent looking Morgan Dollars. I guess I just didn't want to go home empty handed. The pictures are the two Morgans, and the Full Step Jefferson.





And the Full Step Monticello. What? You expecting a coin?

keets

you might take notice of something, as i did on a trip to Monticello several years ago-------------this "Rear View" which is that seen on the coin clearly has seven steps and not six. maybe it's an inconsequential point to some, but i was sort of offended by the artistic license that the designer took. BTW, the front of the building has the correct six steps but isn't what was used in the design.

ricko

Nice photograph.... Cheers, RickO