The E-Sylum:  Volume 7, Number 16, April 18, 2004, Article 8

REACTION TO NUMISMATIC HALL CLOSING

  [Gar Travis sent the following Letter to the Editor of the
  Washington Post in response to the news of the closing
  of The Smithsonian's Numismatic Hall: -Editor]

  "The world's largest collection of money and medals will be
  closed to the public this summer after 40 years, the National
  Museum of American History announced Friday."

  What?

   Obviously the Smithsonian has failed to capitalize on the recent
  "boom" in the American coin market. Better management of its
  educational offerings would have apparently preserved its status
  among American museums, as it was quoted in a recent article
  that; "The decision to close the hall is part of a reorganization
  undertaken after an official panel criticized the museum's
  organization." Perhaps it is time for the United States Mint and
  The Bureau of Engraving and Printing to step up to the plate to
  preserve this most educational of American museums. Auction
  houses, coin shows and Internet auctions are active and drawing
  yet more collectors and numismatic enthusiasts into the hobby.
  What type of message will the closing of the National
  Numismatic Collection send to these who are eager and willing
  to learn?   With this closing, the youth of America will be limited
  in their hands on experience of learning about the great coins of
  the past which drove the economy, making our nation a global
  capitalist power. Barter items, ancient coins and world currencies,
  all of which are equally important to the numismatic community
  will also disappear from view. Those who have traveled far to
  see the museum's numismatic rarities will be limited to viewing
  similar pieces in smaller museums scattered all over the country.
  The only bright spot among coin museums however will be the
  American Numismatic Association Museum, though
  geographically it is far from the strongly populated eastern
  United States. Even were the Smithsonian to electronically
  catalog and make coins and currency viewable on the Internet,
  there would be the loss of experience to travel to our nation's
  capital to see other historical venues.   It was reported that some
  of the collection would be loaned to other museums, but likely
  the rarest coins will never again see the light of day or be
  admired by future generations of collectors.   Write your
  Congressmen, write your Senators - this closing must not be.

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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