Went to the Smithsonian yesterday........

Bustman · December 20, 2003 3:55AM

Had a few hours to kill during a business trip to D.C. so I ran over to the Museum of American History, where they have the National Numismatic Collection. All I can say is WOW. If you are ever in D.C. you must go see this exhibit. To see the only known 1849 double eagle, THREE 1804 dollars, and the two 1933 double eagles all in the same case just left me speechless.
Then there is the Joshia K. Lilly collection of over 6000 gold coins which contains one example of nearly all US gold coins. To see all the early gold lined up, all the proof double eagles....one after the other, and 4 perfect looking stellas......UNBELIEVABLE!! And if your into world coins and paper money there is plenty to see as well. I only wish I had more than a couple of hours to spend there. I'll certainly be back.

airplanenut · December 20, 2003 3:56AM

I agree, it was awesome when I went... next time I bring the digicam (when I went, I didn't understand macro on my SLR

)

Dollars · December 20, 2003 4:01AM

I know what you mean Bustman. I live just north of DC and take my classes on field trip the the American History Smithsonian all the time. They have a project paper on machines to do when they get there so I hang out in the money section. They have to come and look for me to turn it in. Many stay many just don't understand (I guess have no mind for history)

I always have that same wonderful feeling when I go in there. Never changes...

pmh1nic · December 20, 2003 4:01AM

Keithdagen had a thread a while back with wonderful pictures taken during his visit to the Smithsonia. Unfortunately all the linked pictures have been removed.

Anyway, the next time I'm in D.C. it's a must see for me. All those historic coins in one place. Wow!

Tootawl · December 20, 2003 4:01AM

Next time you (or anyone else) comes to DC, give me holler. I'm just an hour and a half away. Let me know and we can meet at the museum.

Dollars · December 20, 2003 4:03AM

Put me on the list Cliff and give me a shout......

Lunch in China Town ................. Oh yeah

LUCKOFTHEIRISH · December 20, 2003 4:19AM

Once I get a PMM graded as such I am going to donate it to the Smithsonian.

Baley · December 20, 2003 4:22AM

Smithsonian is outstanding, my 2nd fave is the Harry Bass collection at ANA in Colorado Springs.

Both highly recommended, what other great museums for coins do you guys know of?

LUCKOFTHEIRISH · December 20, 2003 4:26AM

Don't know but I am going in Feb. to look at them also. I am sure I will be in awe.

1jester · December 20, 2003 4:44AM

Baley, if you're in London you must check out the numismatic collection of the British Museum. I understand you can also make appointments to see the stuff they don't have on display.

The Smithsonian is a must-see. In fact, it's a multiple must-see, and I'm behind...

Last time I went was probably in 1980.

dollardude · December 20, 2003 5:34AM

I've been there several times when I've traveled there on business. I just love going there. I especially like the Air and Space Museum. I even got to see the Enola Gay when it was exhibited. That was the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Japan. Wow!

Myriads · December 20, 2003 5:44AM

The one time I made it to DC in early '89 the coin collection was off the floor for renovations in that area of the Smithsonian.

So I never have gotten a chance to see it. Perhaps someday.

Myriads

09sVDB · December 20, 2003 8:43AM

It is definately on my list of TTD.

MSD61 · December 20, 2003 9:23AM

Awesome place is it not?

Tootawl · December 20, 2003 9:26AM

<< <i>I've been there several times when I've traveled there on business. I just love going there. I especially like the Air and Space Museum. I even got to see the Enola Gay when it was exhibited. That was the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Japan. Wow! >>

The Enola Gay is not in the museum in downtown DC. It's at the new storage and restoration center near Dulles Airport.

sinin1 · December 20, 2003 10:31PM

for those of you that have seen it in that last couple years - how close can you get to these specimens and can - you see both sides? how?

I am just curious how close you could get for photos - even wityh a macro

2" 6" 2 feet ??

Bustman · December 20, 2003 11:00PM

Some coins you can get within 3" of. The only coins that you can see both sides of are the 1804 dollars. They are set up with a mirror behind each one so you can see the reverse. The lighting on the 1804 dollars is not the best.
All the other coins have either the obverse or reverse on display, but not both.

Fountainhead · December 21, 2003 5:03AM

You forgot about the coins the Smithsonian embedded in clear acrylic walls -- you can see both sides of those! Of course, those aren't really coins worth looking at...

Went to the Smithsonian yesterday........

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