Copper 4 the Rainy Weekend

DCW · October 27, 2018 5:50AM

We're riding out a Nor' Easter here in Jersey. Perfect day to look at coins. Post your copper, folks.
Washington/ "Made from a Copper Bolt Taken from the Wreck of the Frigate Congress" by Joseph Merriam

This is a favorite of mine. Very rare piece that was fashioned out of a copper bolt brought back from a member of the 25th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Only 2 known to my knowledge. This one came from Q. David bowers, as part of the large collection I purchased from him a while back.
The USS Congress was sunk by the CSS Virginia at Hampton Roads on March 8, 1862, as it ushered in the dawn of a new era, that of the "Ironclads." The following day, as it sought to finish off the last of the Union wooden frigates, the Virginia was met by the Union ironclad Monitor, and the storied battle of ages began.

ricko · October 27, 2018 5:53AM

Wow... being former Navy, this piece really speaks to me. I have a knife, made for me, with the handle made out of wood from the deck of the U.S.S. Constitution (acquired during an overhaul). Sorry to digress, Navy memorabilia are an area of interest to me. No coppers, however, I always follow this thread, since I like historical copper coins, tokens, medals et al. Cheers, RickO