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We visited the Smithsonian Coin Exhibits

tyler267tyler267 Posts: 1,246 ✭✭✭✭
edited June 15, 2017 12:54PM in U.S. Coin Forum

Had a great time and saw some amazing coins. The 10,000 bill had seemed to get the most attention from the public, but it was the drawers under the display cases that got my attention. One drawer had examples of Class 1,2 and 3 1804 Dollars. This is my first time trying to post pictures to the forum so I'm hoping for the best.

I know the exhibits are small but I am glad I made it a point to see them while we were in DC.

Comments

  • tyler267tyler267 Posts: 1,246 ✭✭✭✭
    edited June 15, 2017 12:55PM

    Deleted

  • tyler267tyler267 Posts: 1,246 ✭✭✭✭

    Deleted

  • goldengolden Posts: 9,620 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I have not been there in 20+ years. I would like to go again.

  • Peace_dollar88Peace_dollar88 Posts: 1,221 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Have not been since 1999. I would love to go back again!

  • CyndieChildressCyndieChildress Posts: 429 ✭✭✭

    Would love to go.!.!

  • ColonelJessupColonelJessup Posts: 6,442 ✭✭✭✭✭

    MrEureka, coinlieutenant and I went through the cabinets in the back maybe 5-6 years ago. And a safe or two :# . Smorgasbord overload. MrE was focusing on early Bust 25c proofs and possible Franklin 50c specimen strikes, myself on messed up Lilly proofs (gunky museum residue) and loads of cleaned earlier coins. The unique 1891 Barber proofs were, as previously imaged, nicely cameo-ed when one considers the light but very prevalent wiping. Well-made >:)

    Their Box of 100 has coins the most jaded will thrill to. coinlieutenant was entranced by the 27-D $20 (seventh or eighth finest known) . Then the really cool stuff came out. B)

    One of my ANA students was Assistant Curator of NNS. But my belief is that anyone with specific research goals can get an advance appointment by contacting the current Curator. Once you get into the back, a few hours of grazing time across your personal spectra will kick your @ss.

    "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - Geo. Orwell
  • dpooledpoole Posts: 5,940 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Without dying, that collection is as close to Heaven as most of us are likely to be!


    Here's a warning parable for coin collectors...



  • yosclimberyosclimber Posts: 4,790 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited June 16, 2017 12:32PM

    Related Smithsonian visit threads with photos:

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/685278/fifth-revival-pics-are-reposted-in-later-pages-there-were-five-of-us-in-two-cabs-rushing-to-the-sm/p4
    saintguru, et al 2008 visit - best stories! Photos are near the bottom of page 4 for me.

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/796393/smithsonian-museum-collection-washington-dc-lots-of-pictures
    Ciccio's 2010 visit with many great photos; more photos on second page of thread.

  • TheRavenTheRaven Posts: 4,143 ✭✭✭✭

    Been there a few years ago. Would like to go back again.

    The back room would be super sweet.

    Collection under construction: VG Barber Quarters & Halves
  • TopographicOceansTopographicOceans Posts: 6,535 ✭✭✭✭

    Maybe 10 years ago a couple of YN's got to take a behind the scenes tour there.
    Somewhere there is a thread about that with lots of pictures.

    I'm glad you were able to visit. I've never been there, so I'm jealous. :s

  • oldgoldloveroldgoldlover Posts: 429 ✭✭✭

    @tyler267 said:
    Had a great time and saw some amazing coins. The 10,000 bill had seemed to get the most attention from the public, but it was the drawers under the display cases that got my attention. One drawer had examples of Class 1,2 and 3 1804 Dollars. This is my first time trying to post pictures to the forum so I'm hoping for the best.

    I know the exhibits are small but I am glad I made it a point to see them while we were in DC.

    I am planning a trip to the Smithsonian in late July. Are there any $20 Double Eagles on exhibit? Also how much time should I allocate for this room and are reservations needed. Can you recommend a hotel close by? What type of camera did you use.

    Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks for the post.

  • tyler267tyler267 Posts: 1,246 ✭✭✭✭

    @oldgoldlover said:

    @tyler267 said:
    Had a great time and saw some amazing coins. The 10,000 bill had seemed to get the most attention from the public, but it was the drawers under the display cases that got my attention. One drawer had examples of Class 1,2 and 3 1804 Dollars. This is my first time trying to post pictures to the forum so I'm hoping for the best.

    I know the exhibits are small but I am glad I made it a point to see them while we were in DC.

    I am planning a trip to the Smithsonian in late July. Are there any $20 Double Eagles on exhibit? Also how much time should I allocate for this room and are reservations needed. Can you recommend a hotel close by? What type of camera did you use.

    Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks for the post.

    Yes there are some Double Eagles Including 2 1933s

  • yosclimberyosclimber Posts: 4,790 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited June 16, 2017 4:55PM

    Photos of the following Double Eagles can be seen now if you click on the link below (2010 visit thread).

    • 1849 pattern
    • 1850
    • 1853 California Moffat & Co.
    • 1854-S proof
    • 1855-S
    • 1865 pattern
    • 1906 Barber pattern
    • 1907 double thickness pattern
    • 1933

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/796393/smithsonian-museum-collection-washington-dc-lots-of-pictures

  • logger7logger7 Posts: 8,522 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Great stuff; they should have a high tech photo or video walkthrough in 2017.

  • yosclimberyosclimber Posts: 4,790 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited June 16, 2017 4:53PM

    There is an online gallery of 199 of the coins (mostly gold):
    americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/national-numismatic-collection

    Here is an index to 12 Double Eagles in the online gallery:
    americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/national-numismatic-collection?edan_q=:&edan_fq[]=topic:%22United+States+Double+Eagle%22

  • Schmitz7Schmitz7 Posts: 752 ✭✭✭

    Which museum are these shown in? I'll be in DC later this year and will take a look.

  • tyler267tyler267 Posts: 1,246 ✭✭✭✭

    @Schmitz7 said:
    Which museum are these shown in? I'll be in DC later this year and will take a look.

    American History Museum there are two coin exhibits on the first floor. Was only looking for one and was very surprised and happy to find the second exhibit. Well worth the trip. Just be sure to open the drawers below the cases some amazing coins there.

  • CoinCastCoinCast Posts: 509 ✭✭✭

    @TopographicOceans said:
    Maybe 10 years ago a couple of YN's got to take a behind the scenes tour there.
    Somewhere there is a thread about that with lots of pictures.

    I'm glad you were able to visit. I've never been there, so I'm jealous. :s

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/921124/an-intimate-encounter-with-the-national-numismatic-collection-at-the-smithsonian-lots-of-photos/p1

    Valente151 and myself were fortunate enough to have Glenn (Ponyexpress) donate us the tour from the ANA charity auction. An absolute highlight of my numismatic career that came much earlier than expected.

    Partner @Gold Hill Coin

  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I have not been to the Smithsonian since I was a young fellow.... That experience alone (the entire museum) could easily take two weeks of daily attendance. Although I enjoyed it, I will say, the true impact is lost on the young... as an adult, it is far more appreciated. Cheers, RickO

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