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Smithsonian Museum Collection, Washington DC - (lots of pictures)
Ciccio
Posts: 1,405 ✭
Yesterday I went to Washington and took the chance to visit the Smithsonian Museum of American History.
Of course, my main target was the Coin collection. It is truly amazing.
I thought it was worth it sharing it with you. Hope you like it.
Sorry for the big pictures and for the poor quality of some of them.
MM
Of course, my main target was the Coin collection. It is truly amazing.
I thought it was worth it sharing it with you. Hope you like it.
Sorry for the big pictures and for the poor quality of some of them.
MM
0
Comments
Larry L.
It still seems hokey to mount those coins (7 figure wonder-rarities) with little wire brads . . . or whatever they are.
Drunner
AB
Very enjoyable post.
The 1828 Proof Gold is amazing ... and that Class One 1804 is something special ... actually, all of those could be commented on as they are all wonderful pieces ... excellent pictures too! Again ... thanks for sharing!!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Very nice/rich motnage of history and I want that $100,000 dollar (currenlty valuating) bill in my wallet (flat, of course)!!!
Miles
Yes, I'm stretching but it sure seems like an acknowledgement to me.
John
Never view my other linked pages. They aren't coin related.
I am sure this one is not fake!
my early American coins & currency: -- http://yankeedoodlecoins.com/
<< <i>Superb post . . . and the pix aren't bad!
It still seems hokey to mount those coins (7 figure wonder-rarities) with little wire brads . . . or whatever they are.
Drunner >>
I am fortunate to live local to the museum. We go often. EVERY time that I see the collection I have the exact same thought. They really should have a display worthy of these truly incredible coins.
<< <i>How long have the coins been back out. Didn't they put them in storage about five years ago? I will be going to DC in April. The Smithsonian and BPE are on the list. >>
A few years ago they put many of these out in the Castle for a brief time.
The Museum of American History is opening back up in stages. The coins have been out for about a year and a half I believe.
slab or something. Thanks for sharing, diggin that $50 slug.
Great pics.........thank you for sharing them with us.......
<< <i>Great post. I have one comment regarding the 1933 Double Eagle and the statement that "fewer than 20 survived" Since the board of regents is almost exclusively US lawmakers doesn't this seem like an admission of the legality of the existence of the coins?
Yes, I'm stretching but it sure seems like an acknowledgement to me.
John >>
Acknowledging their existence has nothing to do with accepting them as legal to own.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
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Ron
<< <i>So how does your mother-in-law feel after you dragged her into the NMAH to look at and photograph some U.S. coins? >>
We went there at the end of the day and I spent just 10 minutes in the coin room.
(I followed all your advices and did what she wanted to do the whole day)
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
<< <i>Superb post . . . and the pix aren't bad!
It still seems hokey to mount those coins (7 figure wonder-rarities) with little wire brads . . . or whatever they are.
Drunner >>
My Complete PROOF Lincoln Cent with Major Varieties(1909-2015)Set Registry
<< <i>I remember seeing the national collection there in the 1970's. It was so overwhelming to see all these rarities in one room, I think my mouth was wide open for about an hour. One question, though. I just can't remember if I saw the super-rare 1822 half eagle there or not. Does anyone know if the Smithsonian owns one? >>
Check here.
1 out of 3 survivor.
<< <i>When did those go back on exhibit? I've held quite a few of those, but when the old exhibit was being taken down. >>
Dang it! Now we know where those fingerprints came from!
Eric
Wow, is that Barber twenty ugly - looks as though it is printed like a book - static, boring and not dynamic at all, sure left room for St. G to do better...
Well, just Love coins, period.
Rob
Successful Trades with: Coincast, MICHAELDIXON
Successful Purchases from: Manorcourtman, Meltdown
<< <i>Yesterday I went to Washington and took the chance to visit the Smithsonian Museum of American History.
Of course, my main target was the Coin collection. It is truly amazing.
I thought it was worth it sharing it with you. Hope you like it.
Sorry for the big pictures and for the poor quality of some of them.
MM
Love that '33 Double Eagle. ... and I love ONE NATION UNDER GOD, with liberty and justice for all. And I got my fingers crossed for the Langbords hoping the government has a "soft spot".
Really want to see a pic of the 95 Proof Morgan....
Best,
Eric
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
There is another cool thread from a visit of 4-5 coin experts in 2008 to grade the coins, when the coins were not yet in their new public display.
Cool story:
http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=26&threadid=685278&STARTPAGE=10
(about halfway down the page)
Photos are a bit blurry due to poor lighting and old iPhone, but it's about the story....
That $5 proof is a gem.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
<< <i>The 1851 Humbert $50 slug is the BEST !!! Can't believe this may be the only proof pattern piece in existence. The 1849 & 1854 s proof double eagles are also kool coins to see. Thanks for sharing !!! >>
+ 1
Obviously my favorite is the 1849 Double Eagle. Ever since Firstmint provided the historical basis that my 1850 was a likely first strike I have pondered how many degrees of separation it may be from the 1849 that preceded it.
(Firstmint's post commenting on my 1850 Double Eagle below. Click link for full thread regarding provenance of the subject 1850 Double Eagle coin.)
Firstmint:
".....IMO, the coin is a first strike from the regular production dies, that happened to get saved and ended up in numismatic channels.
That would be the real story behind this nice coin.
Edited to add the rest of the story -
After doing some quick research and looking for an answer to the reason for such a coin being saved, I uncovered the original appearance for this particular coin.
It came from the James B. Longacre estate (the coin's designer), and was sold in the January 21, 1870 auction sale conducted by
M(oses) Thomas & Sons in Philadelphia. It was lot #178.
The lot description was: "1850, Double Eagle, proof. This piece was from the first dies used for the double eagle, and might be termed a trial piece."
.....
I believe the J B Longacre pedigree (as a first strike) is much more significant than the C W Green listing ....."
The full thread regarding the 1850 and its provenance
Ms