Post a Coin That Thomas Jefferson Could Have Carried

GeorgeKellogg · October 19, 2011 8:10AM

Photo courtesy of BluCC Photos.

relicsncoins · October 19, 2011 8:19AM

Barndog · October 19, 2011 8:21AM

Unknown · October 19, 2011 8:22AM

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ColonialCoinUnion · October 19, 2011 8:23AM

It is not just possible that Thomas Jefferson carried this coin, it is likely, since he is the one who designed this reverse:

STONE · October 19, 2011 8:23AM

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I had no idea what nice Half-Dimes you have Barndog

Barndog · October 19, 2011 8:25AM

<< I had no idea what nice Half-Dimes you have Barndog >>

That coin from coinfacts is likely worth more than my home.

RYK · October 19, 2011 8:26AM

LanLord · October 19, 2011 8:45AM

Thomas Jefferson was a big strong man, he could carry any coin!

Or am I misinterpreting the question?

Barndog · October 19, 2011 8:48AM

<< Thomas Jefferson was a big strong man, he could carry any coin!

Or am I misinterpreting the question?

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mancrush?

PerryHall · October 19, 2011 8:59AM

Since Jefferson died on July 4, 1826 on the nation's 50th birthday, any coin dated 1826 or earlier may have been carried by Jefferson. Interestingly, John Adams died on the same day.

DenverDave · October 19, 2011 9:15AM

Here's To TJ...

MrHalfDime · October 19, 2011 9:55AM

It is always interesting to conjecture what famous person might have owned or carried a particular old coin. Indeed, this is often a common topic of discussion whenever a collector of old coins shares his collection with others. However, it is nearly impossible to determine, with any degree of certainty, if any particular person actually did, in fact, carry a specific coin. However, in the case of the 1792 half disme illustrated by Barndog, we know with certainty that Thomas Jefferson did, in fact, carry all of the 1500 1792 half dismes, from John Harper's saw shop, at the corner of Sixth and Cherry Streets, to Independence Hall, to present to President George Washington. Thus, this fascinating piece of Americana, which is arguably only an R3 (~250 known specimens), commands such a high premium, as it is prized not only by half dime collectors, but also by anyone with an interest in American history and our common heritage.

Pistareen · October 19, 2011 9:58AM

Jefferson, writing in 1784 in his Notes on Coinage called the half pistareen of Spain "a coin perfectly familiar to us all." Ten were worth a dollar, thus inspiring the dime denomination that he conceived.

As a graduate of the University of Virginia and a former employee of Monticello, this is officially my favorite thread ever.

Pistareen · October 19, 2011 10:40AM

When TJ was governor, he moved the capital from Williamsburg to Richmond, to a building he designed. Among the government effects that were taken there were keg(s) of Virginia halfpence, all unworn and unissued. A minority of the mintage made it into circulation between the beginning of their disbursement and the beginning of hostilities, so most could not have been in Jefferson's pocket -- in fact, they were still in Richmond and still Unc when the Civil War swept through and dealer/collector Mendes Cohen ended up with them.

But one like this Jefferson could have had in his pocket.

Or, how about this one:

This coin was found in a dig at the site of Peter Scott's boarding house and cabinet shop in Williamsburg.

This chair was purchased by Thomas Jefferson at Peter Scott's cabinet shop in Williamsburg:

Pretty cool, huh?

comma · October 19, 2011 10:44AM

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This is amazing...

coinkid855 · October 19, 2011 11:45AM

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Fake....Those Chinese can't even spell "Dime" correctly!!

-Paul

messydesk · October 19, 2011 12:07PM

JRocco · October 19, 2011 12:15PM

Maybe a nice Full Crown

FilamCoins · October 19, 2011 12:52PM

Great idea for a thread!

TwoKopeiki · October 19, 2011 1:12PM

Most likely a piece of 8:

robec · October 19, 2011 1:41PM

thisnamztaken · October 19, 2011 5:02PM

johnny9434 · October 20, 2011 2:25AM

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omg, to only go back in time

GeorgeKellogg · October 20, 2011 3:32AM

Here's an interesting Jefferson quotation, which has modern relevance, particularly after the events of the last few years. This philosophy undoubtedly led the framers of the U. S. Constitution to define lawful money as silver and gold.

"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around [the banks] will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered. The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs."

Barndog · October 20, 2011 3:36AM

<< Here's an interesting Jefferson quotation, which has modern relevance, particularly after the events of the last few years. This philosophy undoubtedly led the framers of the U. S. Constitution to define lawful money as silver and gold.

"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around [the banks] will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered. The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs." >>

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DNADave · October 20, 2011 3:47AM

morgansforever · October 20, 2011 3:56AM

Lousy old pic, but it does fit the time frame. Nice coins all.

pmac · October 20, 2011 3:58AM

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If he did, he didn't carry it very long. Beautiful coin!

DennisH · October 20, 2011 3:59AM

MrHalfDime · October 20, 2011 4:22AM

"If he did [carry the 1792 half dismes], he didn't carry it very long."

Not long at all - just three blocks, from John Harper's basement at Sixth and Cherry Streets to Independence Hall. And he likely didn't carry them in his pocket, but probably in a cloth bag or presentation tray.