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A Trip to Washington DC!
AnkurJ
Posts: 11,375 ✭✭✭✭
So my wife and I decided to take a trip down to DC this past weekend. The last time I visited, I was only 13 years old and had no appreciation for American History. Now that I have started collecting coins, I have an appreciation for when the coin came from, and what would have been going on in the country at that time. Ive looked much more into the Revolution, and Lincoln's presidency. So this time, I was quite excited to visit! That and to see the coins that the Smithsonian has!
So the first day, I wanted to see the Declaration of Independence and Constitution first. The line was long, and the documents leading up to them were very exciting. When I finally reached the document, I was breathless for many reasons. First to see what has now completely changed our lives and allowed us to be here was amazing. The other feeling was of great sadness, because the document was very badly faded and hardly readable. I asked one of the guards why, and was told it was due to mishandling over the years! The only signature which is clearly legible is John Hanock. I cannot write his last name properly as the boards find a bad word in it! LOL! Some of the other great documents were preliminary thoughts of the bill of rights written by George Washington! I could have spent days in that room. If you have never been there, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it.
The next museum I visited with great excitement was the Smithsonian American Museum. The first thing I asked was...Where Are The COINS? Guess what? There weren't any! The large display they USED to have was taken down for other displays. They were at that time installing a small room with coins, but it would be open for a few days. Of course...just my luck. They room was gated, but I could see people handling coins and that made my heart race. I know for sure I saw a Saint....
.
Well I walked around the museum a bit upset. In the other displays, I saw some other coins and medals, some were quite nice and I will post pictures soon.
What was the most amazing however was the Star Spangled Banner! They have the original 15 star flag which was flown in the famous battle! Its not in the best shape which is expected, but sent chills up my spine just looking at it. Other great items were items owned by Lincoln such as a pocket watch, and his hat! Also a hat pin found on Mrs. Lincoln with an image of Abe on it. Amazing stuff!
The one that that always annoys me when visiting any major landmark are some of the souvenirs. They are some nice things, but it seems that EVERYTHING is made in CHINA. At the Lincoln Memorial there is a small store. They have very nice campaign pin reproductions which are of course, Made in China. But I suppose that's life.
Coin pics below:
These coins below were owned by Dwight Eisenhower. You would think the president would have some better coins no?
Ankur
So the first day, I wanted to see the Declaration of Independence and Constitution first. The line was long, and the documents leading up to them were very exciting. When I finally reached the document, I was breathless for many reasons. First to see what has now completely changed our lives and allowed us to be here was amazing. The other feeling was of great sadness, because the document was very badly faded and hardly readable. I asked one of the guards why, and was told it was due to mishandling over the years! The only signature which is clearly legible is John Hanock. I cannot write his last name properly as the boards find a bad word in it! LOL! Some of the other great documents were preliminary thoughts of the bill of rights written by George Washington! I could have spent days in that room. If you have never been there, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it.
The next museum I visited with great excitement was the Smithsonian American Museum. The first thing I asked was...Where Are The COINS? Guess what? There weren't any! The large display they USED to have was taken down for other displays. They were at that time installing a small room with coins, but it would be open for a few days. Of course...just my luck. They room was gated, but I could see people handling coins and that made my heart race. I know for sure I saw a Saint....
. Well I walked around the museum a bit upset. In the other displays, I saw some other coins and medals, some were quite nice and I will post pictures soon.
What was the most amazing however was the Star Spangled Banner! They have the original 15 star flag which was flown in the famous battle! Its not in the best shape which is expected, but sent chills up my spine just looking at it. Other great items were items owned by Lincoln such as a pocket watch, and his hat! Also a hat pin found on Mrs. Lincoln with an image of Abe on it. Amazing stuff!
The one that that always annoys me when visiting any major landmark are some of the souvenirs. They are some nice things, but it seems that EVERYTHING is made in CHINA. At the Lincoln Memorial there is a small store. They have very nice campaign pin reproductions which are of course, Made in China. But I suppose that's life.
Coin pics below:
These coins below were owned by Dwight Eisenhower. You would think the president would have some better coins no?
Ankur
All coins kept in bank vaults.
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
0
Comments
remarkable collection.
no mint store trip?
and the flag is post-restoration. don't know when they finished. Fort McHenry is the fort it flew over. That fort is in Baltimore on the opposite side of what is called the inner harbor. The fort is now surrounded by city. Not a huge fort. Need a map or GPS to navigate the turns,however it is almost right off 95 going through Baltimore. The drive off 95 is really short.
there is also the postal museum in DC, however it is small. They do have quite the collection of stamps on display. There is one room that essentially houses pull out display racks of what seems like the scott catalog of us stamps... and then some uk stamps as well. tons of penny blacks for those that know them. If you go, you go to marvel at their stamp album since the rest is a small collection of postal items.
(PS There is an actual aquarium in the city limits of Washington, DC. National Disgrace of an Aquarium. It is in the basement of a federal office building. no dolphin shows there.)
- Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 BC
I think I read that the Smithsonian will be opening up a coin exhibit soon. I know that it's been closed for a few years now.
Franklin-Lover's Forum
<< <i>They have very nice campaign pin reproductions which are of course, Made in China >>
"Around 6 years ago I went on a field trip with my Daughters class and noticed the same thing,It was appalling that they would even allow the "made in china" US souvenirs here you are in the capital of America and at least 90 percent of the items are made in China I bet if you went to China you would not find any items made in the US would you??
one of our highlights was the Vietnam memorial Wall she had a Great Uncle on the wall and was the only student with a relative on it that made her feel a little special she was able to get a rubbing for her grandmother (it was her brother on the wall) , also at the Tomb of the Unknown solider that had everyone a little choked up as "TAPS" was played when they had the changing of the Guard ,it was a very neat yet moving experiance to see ,we had less than a day to take in everything and we had less than a hour to take each stop we made all the Smithsonian buildings,Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Arlington, etc. but for the most part spending anytime with my Daughter was worth every minute as I live 3 hours away from her .MoJo
the_northern_trading_company
ace@airadv.net
<< <i>... I bet if you went to China you would not find any items made in the US would you?? >>
Actually, I think you would find Billions and Billions of Dollars made in the US.
Ed. S.
(EJS)
I know that museum was on their agenda. Now I'm a bit more jealous... I've never been there but would love to visit.
<< <i>Actually, I think you would find Billions and Billions of Dollars made in the US. >>
you are right and we owe them more and more every month!!!
when will it stop????anybody know the amount we owe them?, never mond that is for another thread this will get way off topic sorry
BTW those are neat coins I did see a few when I was there . but back then I had my trusty 35mm camera sadly only a few of the coin photos showed up. they are in my Daughters photo album
the_northern_trading_company
ace@airadv.net