Poorguy's 5000th Post Contest - Numismatic Test! Can You Answer Them All? - Answers Revealed! Winner

poorguy · December 18, 2008 3:37AM

Answers at the bottom post!

Here are the winners!

1. Iosephus -

Here's Why! His answers have beaucoup additional information and have the look of a professionally published reference guide! Iosephus Answers - PDF - Winner of the Mystery Prize! - PM me for details.

Batman23 - All Answers Correct + A good chunk of additional information. - 2 Free Coin images - PM me for details.
USAROK - All Answers Correct + A good chunk of additional information. - 2 Free Coin images - PM me for details.
STONE - All Answers Correct + A good chunk of additional information. - 2 Free Coin images - PM me for details.

WoodenJefferson - All Answers Correct + Some additional information. - 2 Free Coin images - PM me for details.
MessyDesk - All Answers Correct + Some additional information. - 2 Free Coin images - PM me for details.
direwolf - All Answers Correct + Some additional information. - 2 Free Coin images - PM me for details.

Dennis88 - All Answers Correct + A sprinkle of additional information. - 2 Free Coin images - PM me for details.

illini420 - All Answers Correct. - 2 Free Coin images - PM me for details.
laxmaster92 - All Answers Correct. - 2 Free Coin images - PM me for details.
intocoins - All Answers Correct. - 2 Free Coin images - PM me for details.

I didn't want to post anyone's answers they PM'ed me with since it's considered bad etiquitte. So, I would REALLY appreciate it if you would post the answers you PM'ed me in this thread so that EVERYONE can see the incredible work this forum is capable of. Additionally, many will find the information useful and you will contribute to the expansion of numismatic knowledge of our forum members!

Ok. It's my 5000th post and I'm glad to say I'm still here alive and kicking. (but not doing much else). haha.

Here are the rules. PLEASE OBEY THEM AS TO NOT RUIN THE TEST FOR EVERYONE ELSE.

Send in your answers to me VIA PM (DO NOT POST THEM IN THIS THREAD) You can send the answers to me all in one PM or as you come up with the answers. i.e. You can send multiple PM's.

Feel free to post replies about the questions or for clarifications so that everyone will see your questions and my response. This will allow me to address many users' questions at once without having to repeat myself. Also, feel free to post letting everyone know you are a contender in the contest.

Judging will be done on completeness, accuracy, and expanded information you can provide about the answer. I will use this to advance the knowledge of the forum users. The more detailed you are with your answer the better because in the event of a tie or mutliple users getting all the questions right, the tie-breaker will be how much extra information you provide. Additionally, any information that was copy and pasted from another source, i.e. you didn't write it yourself, will not be counted but you will get credit for answering the question right.

This is a difficult numismatic test but it'll test the meddle of the forums to an extreme degree. The winner will no doubt be showered with numismatic research job offers and will be able to forever rest on the laurels of his/her efforts on this exam in all matters numismatic here on the forums.

The contest will last until Christmas Eve. Midnight. Any entries recieved after that may not count. My discretion.

The prize will be a nice one. I've got MYSTERY box of goodies to send out to the winner. It's a heavy box with some neat stuff in it.

1st place will get the MYSTERY BOX
2nd place through 5th place will get 2 free coins imaged by me each (just pay shipping to me and I'll handle return shipping).

Ok. Take a deep breath...............Pencils ready.............tear the paper, break a leg, throw some salt over your shoulder.....GO!

Oh. I forgot to say. I wrote these questions myself so it won't be very beneficial to try googling the question.

Ok. Now go!

1. Which Early U.S. Commemorative has five different dates on the coin yet none are the year it was actually produced?

a. What year was it actually produced?
b. What are the five different dates?

2. The Class II 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar was struck over which foreign coin used as a planchet for the strike? (Date, Country, and Design)

a. What was the edge design that immediately caught the attention of collectors?
b. Where does the coin now reside?

3. Which U.S. coin was the first to break the $100,000 barrier?

a.What year did this occur?

4. What was the original mintage of 1933 dated double eagles?

a. What date range (month/day/year through month/day/year) were they produced?
b. What year were the majority of them destroyed?
c. In 1944 which specimen was seized by the U.S. Treasury?

5. In 1892 which gold-plated brass famous gold coin was offered for sale in the Woodside Collection?

a. Which design flaw was the primary reason for the minimal (handful) production late in the year in this, the inaugural year of it’s design?
b. Who designed the coin?
c. Where does the only known example of this coin reside today?

6. After Augustus St. Gaudens became ill, who executed the plaster model for the Ultra High Relief Double Eagle?

a. What mint official opposed the design? Why?
b. How many strikes did the first example take to show the full detail of the coin?
c. How much pressure was used on each strike?

7. Which coin of the well-known Barber Head type of any denomination is by far the rarest?

a. What was one spent on?
b. By whom (first and last name)?

8. Gold plated and passed off as $5 gold coins before the design was altered to stop scammers, these were unaffectionately called “__________ ________”.

a. What was added to the design to stop scammers?

9. Which half eagle had a mintage of well over 15,000 yet only three examples survive today?

a. Why are they believed to be so scarce?
b. What economic change prompted this?
c. Who designed it?

10. Which U.S. coin was legal tender in the U.S. only for a short period of time and only for debts up to $5.00?

11. Which pattern U.S. design set is:
1. Unique (only one set ever produced).
2. The only set of gold patterns produced with a common theme.
3. Includes the ONLY three dollar pattern ever struck in gold.

12. Which famous coin was mainly produced in a pewter-like alloy because America was unable to secure a loan from the French government for silver?

13. Augustus St. Gaudens’ Victory wearing an Indian headdress was used on the 1907 $10 gold piece instead of the much smaller denomination it was originally intended for. What design was used on that smaller denomination and can still be found in our pocket change today?

14. Which coin was criticized for the following reasons by early Americans?
1. The eyes of Liberty appeared to convey fear.
2. The reverse seemed to represent the bondage of slavery.
3. The quality of the engraving was poor.

15. What was the name of the deposit of Silver that started a U.S. mint in Nevada?

a. Name the mint the mintmark that was used on coins that were made there.

16. Usually mis-pronounced by collectors, this coin was supposedly struck with George Washington’s personal silver in the cellar of a saw maker named John Harper?

17. Introduced as one of the pillars of new coinage as per the act of 1792, the other being the $10 eagle, this inaugural year for the denomination survives with only about 125-150 examples known.

18. Sharing the same diameter as the cents in your pocket, this coin was the inaugural year of the 19mm size and also the famous design by James Longacre.

19. Which U.S. coin’s design is graced by the Goddess Minerva, dolphins, an owl, and pinecones?

20. Designed with both flowing and coiled hair, this interesting and valuable coin was produced to promote international trade and travel for Americans. Just watch a “A Streetcar Named Desire” to get the answer.

rgCoinGuy · December 18, 2008 3:48AM

Very Cool, thanks for the chance!

And yes, I realize that doesn't enter me yet!

poorguy · December 18, 2008 3:50AM

<< Very Cool, thanks for the chance!

And yes, I realize that doesn't enter me yet!

>>

I like your lego joker.

FatMan · December 18, 2008 3:51AM

Geez Brandon. I've had easier final exams in college.

Dennis88 · December 18, 2008 3:53AM

Great contest

Dennis

FatMan · December 18, 2008 3:56AM

Hey Brandon, how about letting me enter by answering one question and promising not to post pics from Milwaukee last year.

SeattleSlammer · December 18, 2008 3:59AM

Man, you ARE a coin dork!

Nice questions!

poorguy · December 18, 2008 4:00AM

<< Hey Brandon, how about letting me enter by answering one question and promising not to post pics from Milwaukee last year.

>>

Stop conspiring with Marty! Now that I'm a MASTER COLLECTOR I refuse to negotiate with blackmailers!

Edited to add: Kids, don't drink.

CoinJunkie · December 18, 2008 4:00AM

<< Geez Brandon. I've had easier final exams in college.

>>

For this much work, I think we should just be able to pick any coin on the web site for first prize...

STONE · December 18, 2008 4:06AM

Will you let us know, through return PM, how many answers are correct, and/or which ones were incorrect?

jacksongto · December 18, 2008 4:07AM

I'll give it a shot and know I won't get far, I've got 30 hours working over over-night with nothing to do but research. I'm hoping I can get five answered correctly.

Brandon; One question, did you know all the answers to the questions before you posted them? The nature of the questions seems to indicate that that you do

thanks

jim

dizzyfoxx · December 18, 2008 4:07AM

I feel since I so calculatingly instigated this contest that I should automatically be entered into the contest without having to answer these numismatic questions and showing just how ignorant I truly am.

RYK · December 18, 2008 4:09AM

Fun quiz...I just do not have the time right now to do the legwork. I'll bet Longacre has a team of assistants working on it right now.

poorguy · December 18, 2008 4:11AM

<< Will you let us know, through return PM, how many answers are correct, and/or which ones were incorrect? >>

Yes. However, from Saturday night through Tuesday I will be on a road trip to Cali to pick up some stuff from CBS studios. I'm pretty sure I won't have any internet access so please bear with me.

<< I'll give it a shot and know I won't get far, I've got 30 hours working over over-night with nothing to do but research. I'm hoping I can get five answered correctly.

Brandon; One question, did you know all the answers to the questions before you posted them? The nature of the questions seems to indicate that that you do

thanks

jim >>

Jim, Yes, I had to know the answers to word the questions accurately and without giving too many clues as to the answer. I did a little fact checking to ensure the accuracy though.

<< I feel since I so calculatingly instigated this contest that I should automatically be entered into the contest without having to answer these numismatic questions and showing just how ignorant I truly am. >>

Dizzy, anyone who has the drive to get a toned commem tattoo has the capacity to learn something new about numismatics. These questions will make it easy to learn about some famous and interesting coins. Keep in mind even the student who brings the teacher the most apples still has to take the class tests.

jacksongto · December 18, 2008 4:27AM

<< Jim, Yes, I had to know the answers to word the questions accurately and without giving too many clues as to the answer. I did a little fact checking to ensure the accuracy though. >>

Say Brandon, ummm, what did you use to check the facts?

I'm going to check my "Trivial Pursuit, Numismatic Ball-Breakers Edition" game, I think some of the answers are there

poorguy · December 18, 2008 5:12AM

<< 

<< Jim, Yes, I had to know the answers to word the questions accurately and without giving too many clues as to the answer. I did a little fact checking to ensure the accuracy though. >>

Say Brandon, ummm, what did you use to check the facts?

I'm going to check my "Trivial Pursuit, Numismatic Ball-Breakers Edition" game, I think some of the answers are there

>>

I used various books and the internet.

Edited to add: I also wanted to say that I will not post any wrong answers sent to me so nobody should worry about "looking like a fool". This test if for fun, not exploitation. I encourage EVERYONE to try. Just answer the ones you know off the top of your head even. Have a fun time and you just might learn something. Almost all of these questions are about famous coins so give it a shot. You might surprise yourself.

JupitarCoins · December 18, 2008 5:18AM

Wrong forum should be on the coin swaps, tags and giveaways.

lasvegasteddy · December 18, 2008 5:19AM

back to checking wonka bars

TwoSides2aCoin · December 18, 2008 5:23AM

This is what numismatics needs. A platform of fun for learning.
I'm betting on a YN named Samuel or SilverEagles92.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Which Early U.S. Commemorative has five different dates on the coin yet none are the year it was actually produced?

a. What year was it actually produced?
b. What are the five different dates?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. The Class II 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar was struck over which foreign coin used as a planchet for the strike? (Date, Country, and Design)

a. What was the edge design that immediately caught the attention of collectors?
b. Where does the coin now reside?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Which U.S. coin was the first to break the $100,000 barrier?

a.What year did this occur?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. What was the original mintage of 1933 dated double eagles?

a. What date range (month/day/year through month/day/year) were they produced?
b. What year were the majority of them destroyed?
c. In 1944 which specimen was seized by the U.S. Treasury?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. In 1892 which gold-plated brass famous gold coin was offered for sale in the Woodside Collection?

a. Which design flaw was the primary reason for the minimal (handful) production late in the year in this, the inaugural year of it’s design?
b. Who designed the coin?
c. Where does the only known example of this coin reside today?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. After Augustus St. Gaudens became ill, who executed the plaster model for the Ultra High Relief Double Eagle?

a. What mint official opposed the design? Why?
b. How many strikes did the first example take to show the full detail of the coin?
c. How much pressure was used on each strike?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7. Which coin of the well-known Barber Head type of any denomination is by far the rarest?

a. What was one spent on?
b. By whom (first and last name)?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8. Gold plated and passed off as $5 gold coins before the design was altered to stop scammers, these were unaffectionately called “__________ ________”.

a. What was added to the design to stop scammers?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9. Which half eagle had a mintage of well over 15,000 yet only three examples survive today?

a. Why are they believed to be so scarce?
b. What economic change prompted this?
c. Who designed it?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10. Which U.S. coin was legal tender in the U.S. only for a short period of time and only for debts up to $5.00?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11. Which pattern U.S. design set is:
1. Unique (only one set ever produced).
2. The only set of gold patterns produced with a common theme.
3. Includes the ONLY three dollar pattern ever struck in gold.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12. Which famous coin was mainly produced in a pewter-like alloy because America was unable to secure a loan from the French government for silver?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13. Augustus St. Gaudens’ Victory wearing an Indian headdress was used on the 1907 $10 gold piece instead of the much smaller denomination it was originally intended for. What design was used on that smaller denomination and can still be found in our pocket change today?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14. Which coin was criticized for the following reasons by early Americans?
1. The eyes of Liberty appeared to convey fear.
2. The reverse seemed to represent the bondage of slavery.
3. The quality of the engraving was poor.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15. What was the name of the deposit of Silver that started a U.S. mint in Nevada?

a. Name the mint the mintmark that was used on coins that were made there.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

16. Usually mis-pronounced by collectors, this coin was supposedly struck with George Washington’s personal silver in the cellar of a saw maker named John Harper?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17. Introduced as one of the pillars of new coinage as per the act of 1792, the other being the $10 eagle, this inaugural year for the denomination survives with only about 125-150 examples known.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18. Sharing the same diameter as the cents in your pocket, this coin was the inaugural year of the 19mm size and also the famous design by James Longacre.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

19. Which U.S. coin’s design is graced by the Goddess Minerva, dolphins, an owl, and pinecones?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20. Designed with both flowing and coiled hair, this interesting and valuable coin was produced to promote international trade and travel for Americans. Just watch a “A Streetcar Named Desire” to get the answer.

EricSan · December 18, 2008 5:28AM

Great contest, Brandon! I see my knowledge is far too incomplete to submit a response, but I do look forward to learning the answers when the contest has concluded!

Eric

poorguy · December 18, 2008 5:30AM

<< Great contest, Brandon! I see my knowledge is far too incomplete to submit a response, but I do look forward to learning the answers when the contest has concluded!

Eric >>

Eric, don't talk like that. You have just as much of a shot as ANYONE else here on the boards. Just take 30 seconds to consider each question and I bet you can get at least half of them right away.

BillyKingsley · December 18, 2008 6:02AM

<< Poorguy's 5000th Post Contest - Numismatic Test! Can You Answer Them All? >>

No, no I can't! I know off the top of my head I have a clue on less the one third.

I'm send along the ones I think I have a shot at. Never know, some of these are pretty complex, maybe it will scare people away and I'll be #1, LOL!

TorinoCobra71 · December 18, 2008 6:51AM

<< 

<< Hey Brandon, how about letting me enter by answering one question and promising not to post pics from Milwaukee last year.

>>

Stop conspiring with Marty! Now that I'm a MASTER COLLECTOR I refuse to negotiate with blackmailers!

Edited to add: Kids, don't drink.

>>

I have been a "Master Collector" for quite some time and cant get a few of those questions!

TC71

dizzyfoxx · December 18, 2008 7:04AM

Count me in for the contest. Thanks for the chance.

poorguy · December 18, 2008 9:17AM

What? Nobody can answer all of them? I thought this place was a numismatic think-tank.

rgCoinGuy · December 18, 2008 9:21AM

We are just waiting til the last minute to make sure our answers are all as padded as possible with extra credit info.

Lakesammman · December 18, 2008 10:22AM

After all the tests in college, medical school and residency, you made me break out in hives after the first question................ DON'T MAKE ME TAKE ANOTHER TEST!

illini420 · December 18, 2008 10:45AM

Awesome contest, time to start my homework

Thanks!!!

seateddime · December 18, 2008 11:05AM

yes to all

notwilight · December 18, 2008 11:09AM

<< What? Nobody can answer all of them? I thought this place was a numismatic think-tank.

>>

Good questions but I'm a patient and efficient man. I know if I wait I'll be able to read and enjoy all the answers with very little work. thanks, Jerry

Musky1011 · December 18, 2008 11:31AM

2 down 18 to go

jacksongto · December 18, 2008 11:50AM

.....consider this....

Quite possibly the answers will be worth more than the prize...

ask yourself this; "What would I rather have? The knowledge to answers these 20 questions, to be the second person on the planet (behind Brandon) that could answer them in any casual conversation, or a tangible prize"

"Knowledge is good"

{paraphrasing from what I remember about the Statue in front of Faber college in the opening scenes from "Animal House"}

....think about it

poorguy · December 18, 2008 1:43PM

<< .....consider this....

Quite possibly the answers will be worth more than the prize...

ask yourself this; "What would I rather have? The knowledge to answers these 20 questions, to be the second person on the planet (behind Brandon) that could answer them in any casual conversation, or a tangible prize"

"Knowledge is good"

{paraphrasing from what I remember about the Statue in front of Faber college in the opening scenes from "Animal House"}

....think about it >>

Wow. You are truly enlightened my friend. If all of you would take 5 minutes (just 5 minutes, just 12% of a minute, just .69% of your day), to think about this test in this mode of thought, you would be amazed at the facts you could absorb.

FullStepJeffs · December 18, 2008 3:31PM

Does this test have a Jefferson Nickel hoarder grade curve cause I have about 7 of the over 40 questions answered... does that count?

Then my brain started hurting... and since I won't be here when the package arrives, if I did win, then I'll leave it upto other people.

I got a bonus question for your test Brandon... in the PCGS Price Guide for Mint State Jeffersons, which price listed is the farthest off from prices paid and/or asked?

Good Luck to All & Thanks for the opportunity!

Steve

thisnamztaken · December 18, 2008 3:55PM

Wow! I'm exhausted just reading through the 20, multiple-part questions.

Any chance of changing this to a multiple choice type test instead?

jgrinz · December 18, 2008 4:14PM

<<

Any chance of changing this to a multiple choice type test instead?

>>

Yeah Like this ...

1 - Numimatist One is Correct
2 - Numismatist Two us Correct
3 - Both Numismatist One and Two are Correct
4 - Neither Numismatist One and Two are Correct

heheheh arrggghhhh I just went through a 50 question test like this In Auto Tech for Hybrids
I think I will pass on this test but look forward to the answers

I do know 4 right off the bat but I know that will not win

Good Luck Guys / Gals

illini420 · December 18, 2008 10:30PM

PM enclosing answers sent!! I'm in! Thanks for the chance!

keepdachange · December 18, 2008 11:45PM

Great contest! My numismatic knowledge is minimal but I look forward to learning some new info. while researching these questions

garsmith · December 18, 2008 11:48PM

<< Poorguy's 5000th Post Contest - Numismatic Test! Can You Answer Them All? >>

NO

What did I win?

SeattleSlammer · December 19, 2008 12:32AM

NO

What did I win?

jgrinz · December 19, 2008 12:43AM

hehe I got baffled on question number one but they got easier from there

Submited 4am this morning hahahah
Thanks for the LACK OF SLEEP BRANDON

adamlaneus · December 19, 2008 1:29AM

Well, the way my real work has been going recently, I don't come here at the end of the day with an enthusiasm to answer more hard questions. I'm 'well done' on both sides; fried to a crisp.

Obviously, some effort went into that quiz; thanks for that! It's good that there is plenty of time to put in an answer. I don't expect to get a break until the 24th.

I have no hope beating out the competition here, but so what. I'll end up knowing a few things I didn't know before which is why I come here in the first place.

Boom · December 19, 2008 1:58AM

Gee whiz, Brandon! I'll declare that I'm in, for the record, but having had a look at
the questions I must say that I seriously doubt I'll finish let alone, be a contender!

I've had college exams that weren't this darned difficult!

Apparently, you have WAY TOO MUCH time on your hands!

Man - We need a headache emoticon for this one. Lol!

Regards,

BOOM ~

robkool · December 19, 2008 2:12AM

One kool contest Brandon...
This reminds me of playing Jeopardy on my computer...

WoodenJefferson · December 19, 2008 2:39AM

Well, I have over half of them answered with what I think the answers are....
these are some tough cookies. My History teacher Mr. Hand would be proud.

Dennis88 · December 19, 2008 6:32AM

All questions sent in and answered....easy.

Dennis

BBQnBLUES · December 19, 2008 7:21AM

So you "Grade on the Curve" ?¿

OffMetal · December 19, 2008 10:24AM

Is there a test version for YNs?

just kidding

I find it fascinating that I got more nervous trying to answer these questions in the comfort of my own bed than being given an oral exam by a college teacher who served the U.S. (military?) as an interrogator for years. And let me tell you, he interrogates, er... I mean... asks really good questions.

I'll give it a go after I do my best to answer the questions, but a lot of them are rather outside my area of knowledge... I'll hope to at least get a few of these questions right...!

Ben

poorguy · December 19, 2008 12:43PM

Here's a hint. The VAST majority of questions are about famous coins. I'll try coming up with more tests in the future and they WONT be this easy. Trust me. I can come up with some doosies just off the top of my head. I'm a trivia freak. I find that I retain more knowledge if I spend time thinking about what the answer should be and then seeing the answer. If you can get someone to spend more than 10 seconds pondering a question and then tell them the answer, the retention of the knowledge is nearly triple of what it would be if than if someone just told you the facts. You came here to learn right? Well, step up and get what you came here for!

Batman23 · December 20, 2008 4:04PM

This was an enjoyable contest to attempt. Many hours were spent reading, researching and learning.

Dennis88 · December 23, 2008 5:59AM

:bump;

For a great contest

Dennis

Poorguy's 5000th Post Contest - Numismatic Test! Can You Answer Them All? - Answers Revealed! Winner

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