The Smithsonian's Box of Twenty.....

SethChandler · January 3, 2013 10:11AM

Hi All. Happy New Year!

Right after Christmas, my wife and I visited Wash DC for a week. What a great city. You feel so proud of all the history and wonderful things our country has accomplished.

Of course, a trip to DC involves the Smithsonian, which houses the National Numismatic Collection. Here are a few Iphone photos of the numismatic exhibit. By looking at the first picture your realize just how small it is. The size of three photo booths...but thats just the way it is. I was happy to see these superstar coins.

I relented from giving a description of each photo. The forum is for both new collectors and Numismatic Jedi's. I wish that this thread will encourage questions and thoughts so that a discussion about these numismatic treasures can take place.

Enjoy,

Seth

illini420 · January 3, 2013 10:17AM

Always loved that Barber $20 gold!!

Thanks for posting the pics!

SmEagle1795 · January 3, 2013 10:18AM

That 1851 $50 looks amazing!

Justlooking · January 3, 2013 10:19AM

My, oh, my.

Belongs to all of us.

morgansforever · January 3, 2013 10:28AM

Saintguru did one of these image posts of Smithsonian coins years back. Never get tired of viewing them.
Thanks for sharing your visit there.

Timbuk3 · January 3, 2013 10:53AM

!!!

SeattleSlammer · January 3, 2013 11:27AM

Talk about prong holders.

rainbowroosie · January 3, 2013 12:00PM

Saw that display in November; it is AMAZING!!!!!!

coinlieutenant · January 3, 2013 12:03PM

Nice pics Seth.

Mail coming your way...

John

tradedollarnut · January 3, 2013 12:17PM

ok, so that proof 54-S $20 makes me want to collect gold!

Is that the class II 1804 dollar? Doesn't look proof

DoubleEagle59 · January 3, 2013 12:40PM

Hope there's a steady hand when placing and removing these coins, as those three-pronged holders look mighty dangerous to a sudden hand movement.

MrEureka · January 3, 2013 12:48PM

Please PM me with prices. Thank you.

MidLifeCrisis · January 3, 2013 1:38PM

Who decides what coins are included in the collection? What are the criteria?

Why the 1804 Dollar and 1913 Nickel?

CoinRaritiesOnline · January 3, 2013 1:54PM

<< Who decides what coins are included in the collection? What are the criteria?

Why the 1804 Dollar and 1913 Nickel? >>

Um, among the most famous, valuable, sought after US coins?

MidLifeCrisis · January 3, 2013 2:10PM

<< 

<< Who decides what coins are included in the collection? What are the criteria?

Why the 1804 Dollar and 1913 Nickel? >>

Um, among the most famous, valuable, sought after US coins? >>

That's too easy and too subjective. Besides, there are many coins in the collection that are not famous...indeed there are some that most collectors, much less the general public, never heard of.

Meltdown · January 3, 2013 2:52PM

That 1906 piece looks beautiful despite the blurry shot. I hope to visit that myself one day.
Thanks for posting.

JustNeedCoins · January 3, 2013 3:38PM

That 1851 looks dcam

DAVEatHLRC · January 3, 2013 10:39PM

<< 

<< 

<< Who decides what coins are included in the collection? What are the criteria?

Why the 1804 Dollar and 1913 Nickel? >>

Um, among the most famous, valuable, sought after US coins? >>

That's too easy and too subjective. Besides, there are many coins in the collection that are not famous...indeed there are some that most collectors, much less the general public, never heard of. >>

They are in the people pleasing business. It would be like taking the Hope Diamond out of the minerals display.

People want to see the "Greatest Hits". They want to see Lincoln's stovepipe hat. If you can then slip a little additional knowledge under their noses at the same time, so much the better.

ModCrewman · January 3, 2013 11:42PM

Here are photos I took when I was there this summer:

dsessom · January 4, 2013 12:45AM

Am I the only one who cringes at the sight of those metal holders that hold the coins in place in the display? Why metal? Wouldn't plastic be better?

SethChandler · January 4, 2013 2:30AM

<< ok, so that proof 54-S $20 makes me want to collect gold!

Is that the class II 1804 dollar? Doesn't look proof >>

Yes, the 54-S was really nice. Realistically, the coin was more of a PL coin, and wasn't a full blown deep mirror proof. Its amazing how the Philadelphia Mint nailed all those early proof gold coins that had a limited mintage....most seem deep cameo. I guess the philly guys didn't go to SF to help set up. But hey, this is SF's first coin, so I will take it.

The 1804 Dollar was a Class 1. The Pic is pretty accurate. A nice gun metal grey silver color. Surely, its been cleaned in the past, but it does not have any major problems, and still has the pop of a proof, not dull. Probably would certify as a Gem.

<< Always loved that Barber $20 gold!! >>

Yep the Barber Matte Proof Twenty is wayyyyy cool

<< That 1851 looks dcam >>

Yep the pic nailed it. Great looking coin, really looks fake its so awesome.

<< Am I the only one who cringes at the sight of those metal holders that hold the coins in place in the display? Why metal? Wouldn't plastic be better?
>>

Yes, i really do not get that? Any ideas why they use those prongs? Especially with Jeff Garrett around, I wonder what his thoughts are?

I have got a few more pics to share. Will post soon.

lloydmincy · January 4, 2013 4:00AM

Seth - Not including duplicates, I see you have 14 for the "box". What are the other 6??

I would add either J-18 or J-19. But the J-12 1792 quarter is one that gets little recognition.

erickso1 · January 4, 2013 4:12AM

I know as a commem collector I would have loved to have seen this. Website says it is currently Not on display.

golden · January 4, 2013 4:31AM

I believe that PCGS should offer to slab some of the rarest or most valuable ( say about 100 pieces or so ) coins in holders without the PCGS logo on the holder. I am sure that the goverment would not want to be seen as endorsing any company. What about it Don?

lloydmincy · January 4, 2013 4:57AM

They are usually encased in slabs when not on display...

coindeuce · January 4, 2013 12:31PM

<< They are usually encased in slabs when not on display... >>

I don't consider the current displays at the Smithsonian to be very professional. Why would a display of coins as National Treasure only provide a view of one side ( and edge) ?

mkman123 · January 4, 2013 12:54PM

These coins should be slabbed to better protect and preserve them

The Smithsonian's Box of Twenty.....

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