Smithsonian numismatic treasures
We're doing a brief staycation in DC to take in some of the America 250 events & displays.
We spent some time in the Smithsonian American History museum today.
It was just incredible seeing the numismatic treasures there. They had been off display for a while. They're back now.
I figured that there had to be some threads w the current display. I searched prior to posting this not wanting to duplicate a prior post. I didn't see any, so I thought I'd share a few images. If this is a duplicate of a prior thread my apologies. I didn't see it.
In no particular order...
Comments
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If you thought slab prongs were bad ...
All glory is fleeting.8 -
@291fifth said:
If you thought slab prongs were bad ...I remember seeing the Smithsonian Institution coin exhibit in the late 1960s after the SI acquired the Eli Lilly collection of gold coins. Very rare US coins were held in place using small blobs of wax as an adhesive to the backboard. I was horrified to see a couple of proof gold coins had come lose and had fallen to the bottom of the vertical display case. I was convinced that whoever put this display together knew nothing about coins and how to care for them.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire9 -
It looks like they redid the exhibit some since the last time I was there. Definitely a must see if you are in the area. Thanks for sharing.
I wonder if there has ever been a book with great photography on the collection. If not, instead of updating the 100 greatest coins, maybe this would be a nice alternative.
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@Exbrit said:
It looks like they redid the exbrit some since the last time I was there. Definitely a must see if you are in the area. Thanks for sharing.I wonder if there has ever been a book with great photography on the collection. If not, instead of updating the 100 greatest coins, maybe this would be a nice alternative.
They re-did it since I last saw it.
There is a lot more that I didn't take pics of. I thought that this would be well covered on the forum, so I wasn't planning on posting here until I realized that it was not or I would have taken more photos and better ones.
Its very well done.
Its just mind blowing seeing such rarities in one place.
There are some amazing early gold and gold rush items woven onto other exhibits as well.
Its amazing whats donated. I can see loaning but not donating.
Its definitely a must see for anyone on this forum.
Land of the Free because of the Brave!5 -
Is that a Brasher doubloon hanging on for dear life there? I’d take MUCH better care of it if they’d just let me have it.
Other passions include golf, Moto Guzzi motorcycles, and Euro motorcycles in general.
Chris3 -
I went once, in 1989, but the numismatic exhibits were not displayed.
I also went to the British Museum once, in 1999, but very little on display. I've since read they have one of the largest collections.
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@291fifth said:
If you thought slab prongs were bad ...Seriously!!!!
@GuzziSport said:
Is that a Brasher doubloon hanging on for dear life there? I’d take MUCH better care of it if they’d just let me have it.Yes. Brasher doubloon.
Land of the Free because of the Brave!0 -
Very cool museum collection!
Just wish they knew how to protect coins a little more…"Another day, another Collectors Universe forum scrolling session."
- Someone, probably4 -
You should have asked "Hey, can I go through the stuff you got in the back too?"
"To Be Esteemed Be Useful" - 1792 Birch Cent --- "I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
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I stopped back by to get more/better photos for u guys...
Land of the Free because of the Brave!7 -
Land of the Free because of the Brave!10 -
Land of the Free because of the Brave!11 -
The Eisenhower coins are from a separate exhibit.
Land of the Free because of the Brave!1 -
@Raufus said:
We're doing a brief staycation in DC to take in some of the America 250 events & displays.We spent some time in the Smithsonian American History museum today.
It was just incredible seeing the numismatic treasures there. They had been off display for a while. They're back now.
I figured that there had to be some threads w the current display. I searched prior to posting this not wanting to duplicate a prior post. I didn't see any, so I thought I'd share a few images. If this is a duplicate of a prior thread my apologies. I didn't see it.
In no particular order...
The white balance must be off. I’ve never seen an even remotely RD Wreath cent.🫢
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
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Land of the Free because of the Brave!11 -
@MFeld said:
@Raufus said:
We're doing a brief staycation in DC to take in some of the America 250 events & displays.We spent some time in the Smithsonian American History museum today.
It was just incredible seeing the numismatic treasures there. They had been off display for a while. They're back now.
I figured that there had to be some threads w the current display. I searched prior to posting this not wanting to duplicate a prior post. I didn't see any, so I thought I'd share a few images. If this is a duplicate of a prior thread my apologies. I didn't see it.
In no particular order...
The white balance must be off. I’ve never seen an even remotely RD Wreath cent.🫢
It appears a bit more brown.
The lighting is dim. Can't use flash. I'm not sure how to correct the white balance.
Land of the Free because of the Brave!8 -
Thanks for all the exhibit pix. While in DC don't miss the Reflecting Pool. I hear it's quite striking these days.
"Some people say Citizen Kane or Casablanca. I say 'Jason and the Argonauts' is the greatest movie ever made.” Tom Hanks at The Oscars' Science & Technical Awards Ceremony for Ray Harryhausen, 1992
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@Raufus said:
Woah, can you show the obverse of the continental dollar?
I collect world proof sets, coins featuring composers, mid-20th century U.S. proof coins, U.S. type coins, and whatever else I want.
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Unfortunately, there was no way to see the obverse.
Land of the Free because of the Brave!0 -
There was a couple commenting on how beautiful the UHR Saint is. The guy noted that with gold so high its increased in value. I couldn't help but mention to him that its value isn't heavily tied to spot...
Land of the Free because of the Brave!5 -
Woah, can you show the obverse of the continental dollar?
Unfortunately, there was no way to see the obverse.
21st Century museums should be able to combat the problem of showing only half of each coin. A little innovation into coin display would be nice so we can enjoy the whole coin. Mirrors or double sided displays. Something.
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My grubby hands have held most of those 🙂
Fun fact: when the old exhibit was taken down in 2003, I got to keep the mirrors mounted behind the 3 1804 dollars to show the reverses. Still have them.
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Thanks for posting those, I really need to get up and see the exhibit. This of course reminded me of SaintGuru's thread about his visit, which was revived a number of times.
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@Raufus: thanks for taking time with the pics & posting all this! Awesome display, but the prongs? AAARRRGGGHHH!
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Arrangements seem somewhat random. Lacking completeness so working with what they have? Or am
I missing something.2 -
Thank you for sharing your photos of the current public exhibits - very nice.
I agree, these were not available in any forum threads.Related threads with photos of private showings:
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2008 @saintguru, Steve Duckor, Ray Moore, Jeff Garrett, John Albanese, Bob B.:
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/10260100/#Comment_10260100
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2014 @valente151, Luis :
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/921124/an-intimate-encounter-with-the-national-numismatic-collection-at-the-smithsonian-lots-of-photos
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There is also an online gallery of 199 of the coins in the collection (mostly gold):
https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/national-numismatic-collection2 -
@ADG said:
Thanks for all the exhibit pix. While in DC don't miss the Reflecting Pool. I hear it's quite striking these days.I thought I recognized you in this pic...
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@oldabeintx said:
Arrangements seem somewhat random. Lacking completeness so working with what they have? Or am
I missing something.I focused on the more important material. There were some broad themes as noted by the signage above the displays. However, I didn't include all of the signage in the pics, so it probably seems more random than it is.
Given the magnitude of their holdings, there could be so much more. Of course, I'm sure that this could be said for many exhibits. Also, the vast majority of the public doesn't remotely have the appreciation for this magnificent collection like we do. The $100,000 bill seems to get the most attention. I'm sure that most think it's the most valuable item in the entire exhibit.
Land of the Free because of the Brave!5 -
@yosclimber said:
Thank you for sharing your photos of the current public exhibits - very nice.
I agree, these were not available in any forum threads.Related threads with photos of private showings:
---
2008 @saintguru, Steve Duckor, Ray Moore, Jeff Garrett, John Albanese, Bob B.:
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/10260100/#Comment_10260100
---
2014 @valente151, Luis :
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/921124/an-intimate-encounter-with-the-national-numismatic-collection-at-the-smithsonian-lots-of-photos
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There is also an online gallery of 199 of the coins in the collection (mostly gold):
https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/national-numismatic-collectionI'd sure love a private showing!! I wish I knew how that could be arranged.
Land of the Free because of the Brave!2 -
@Raufus said:
I stopped back by to get more/better photos for u guys...What surprises me is that they did not include a sovereign, the chief coin of the world, in the above display. They probably had it in a separate display using the 1838 sovereign as an example of Smithson’s gift to America which led to establishing the Smithsonian. The sovereigns were of new mintage and melted down to be recoined into half eagles and eagles.
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.
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@Exbrit said:
@Raufus said:
I stopped back by to get more/better photos for u guys...What surprises me is that they did not include a sovereign, the chief coin of the world, in the above display. They probably had it in a separate display using the 1838 sovereign as an example of Smithson’s gift to America which led to establishing the Smithsonian. The sovereigns were of new mintage and melted down to be recoined into half eagles and eagles.
This display was Lilly's gold. There were other displays that I didn't include this being the US coin forum.
We'll head back down on the 4th. I'll get more pics.
Land of the Free because of the Brave!2 -
The 1933 double eagle is really chopped up. I think the Smithsonian has two. If one of the 1933 double eagles the government confiscated is better, one would think the Treasury could donate it to the Smithsonian.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?0 -
@BillJones said:
The 1933 double eagle is really chopped up. I think the Smithsonian has two. If one of the 1933 double eagles the government confiscated is better, one would think the Treasury could donate it to the Smithsonian.If you'll forgive these being 22 year old (and unedited) photos... [edit: 22, not 23 years... taken in 2004]
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A younger version of me with three 1804 dollars, an 1849 $20, 1907 ultra high relief, and 2 1933 $20s. It was quite the thrill to pull these 7 coins out of the display case and walk them through the museum in an unlocked box while the museum was open. At my side was a big guy with a gun.
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Wow. Thats just incredible. Truly incredible. It's amazing that you could just walk around with them. What if you fell and they got damaged? Omg. How awesome.
How did this opportunity come about?
Land of the Free because of the Brave!0 -
@Raufus said:
Wow. Thats just incredible. Truly incredible. It's amazing that you could just walk around with them. What if you fell and they got damaged? Omg. How awesome.How did this opportunity come about?
They took down the long-time exhibit in the summer of 2004 and invited a number of people to come and help put everything away in the vault as trays came up from the exhibit floor. Andy Lustig was invited, and somehow found a way to me an invitation, as well. We were heading out before everything was done, and when I asked about being able to see the rarities (afraid they'd come up after we left) someone from the museum staff said "come with me" and we went down the the exhibit, the glass was taken off the display cases, and I was told to load up the box. I guess however much they trusted by numismatic abilities, they also trusted my ability to walk.
A few centuries of numismatic experience, plus me:
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Thanks for sharing! Numismatic experience of a lifetime!
Crazy to think about the significance - and value - of the coins in that tray!
Land of the Free because of the Brave!4 -
@GuzziSport said:
Is that a Brasher doubloon hanging on for dear life there? I’d take MUCH better care of it if they’d just let me have it.That’s the half doubloon, which is unique.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.0 -
@yosclimber said:
Thank you for sharing your photos of the current public exhibits - very nice.
I agree, these were not available in any forum threads.Related threads with photos of private showings:
---
2008 @saintguru, Steve Duckor, Ray Moore, Jeff Garrett, John Albanese, Bob B.:
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/10260100/#Comment_10260100
---
2014 @valente151, Luis :
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/921124/an-intimate-encounter-with-the-national-numismatic-collection-at-the-smithsonian-lots-of-photos
---
There is also an online gallery of 199 of the coins in the collection (mostly gold):
https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/national-numismatic-collectionThanks for the tag, it brought me back to my thread and I got to re-live it!
I still think about that 1794 $1 Copper trial often when people ask what my favorite coin is. It may not be the most valuable (or invaluable as many of these unique coins are) but man it glowed under light and was incredible. If I could have my pick from the NNC, that would be the coin!
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Isn't there a 1794 Silver Dollar made in copper without any stars on the obverse?
Easton Collection0 -
This piece is also in the collection:
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@WiscKau said:
This piece is also in the collection:If I recall, that’s an ex PCGS MS67. When I was there, it was still in the holder’s rubber ring, but otherwise cracked out. I believe the label was also there. Stunning example.
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@airplanenut said:
@WiscKau said:
This piece is also in the collection:If I recall, that’s an ex PCGS MS67. When I was there, it was still in the holder’s rubber ring, but otherwise cracked out. I believe the label was also there. Stunning example.
For Sure!
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We went to the Smithsonian Castle today for the America 250 special exhibit. They took 30 items from all of the museums combined that they felt were the most important for the occasion. It is an awesome exhibit.
Of interest to this group, I thought that you might enjoy the first piece of gold from the 1849 gold rush. I was thinking of the amazing coins and slugs that resulted.
Enjoy...
Land of the Free because of the Brave!7 -
While not a coin, it looks like a coin so I thought that u all might enjoy this as well...
Land of the Free because of the Brave!6 -
They had an original early treaty between the US and the Native Americans from 1794. I was thinking that it was so cool to think that that was the same year that my 1794 0.50 cent piece was minted and what was going on in the US at the time.
The jets practicing for tomorrow were just incredible. Tomorrow should be amazing.
It was so wild seeing F22s flying over the Air and Space museum which houses the original Wright Flyer. I was thinking, what would the Wright Brothers think of it? Incredible.
Happy 250th America!
Land of the Free because of the Brave!5 -
@ADG said:
Thanks for all the exhibit pix. While in DC don't miss the Reflecting Pool. I hear it's quite striking these days.There's a LOT of mental illness in DC.
BUT,
Washington is FANTASTIC these days. Flyovers almost everyday. All the monuments cleaned and repaired.. Truly breathtaking.0
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