The E-Sylum:  Volume 6, Number 52, December 7, 2003, Article 27

A HANDS-ON COIN QUIZ

  Inspired by Myron Xenos' coin quiz last week, Col. Bill Murray
  writes: "After a recent conversation with a numismatic friend,
  I got to thinking about how much fun I have had with a
  presentation I make to non-numismatists of all ages above
  kindergarten.

  I had no trouble with Myron's trivia quiz, primarily because I
  have a 30 minute presentation, based on the cent, originally for
  grade school kids, then to Kiwanis, Rotary, other service clubs
  and once to a group of bank employees.  While the presentation
  varies based on the audience (words, techniques), the base
  information remains the same.  The point of the presentation, at
  whatever level, is to point out how little we know about our coins,
  which we see and handle every day.  It's fun for me and seems
  to be enjoyed at all levels. Here's an outline.

  Issue a coin to each person.  Whose picture? They respond.
  Why his picture on the coin?  Not "because he was president,"
  but because the 1792 law (Act of April 2, 1792) required a
  "device emblematic of liberty" to be on coins.  Lincoln surely
  qualifies. The word liberty - same law.

  Ask about the date  - usually answered correctly.  Why the
  small letter below the date?  Most know about mint marks.

  How many Mints? (None know West Point.)

  Read "In God We Trust" above Lincoln's bust.  First on 1864
  2-cent piece (tell that story, including, not on paper money and
  not a national motto until after 1956 when Eisenhower signed bill).

  What's the name of this coin?  Unanimous answer, "Penny."
  "Turn it over.  What does is say at the bottom?" "One cent."
  "We've never had a U. S. penny.  That's just a nickname, held
  over from the English coin (1792 law)."  "See United States of
  America at the top?  Required by 1792 law on gold and silver
  coins, but always on the penny, oops! One cent."

  "How many times does Lincoln appear on the cent?"  This piece
  of trivia frequently is known by non-numismatists.

  Most times, I cut some cents into two pieces, and before
  handing them out, ask what is the cent made of.  Usual answer,
  "Copper."  Not since 1857, I tell them.  Then bronze until 1982
  and then copper plated zinc.  Hand out cut coins and prove it.

  Believe me, this is an attention holding presentation, fun to give
  and educational about something few people know."

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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