The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 34, August 26, 2007, Article 11

SMITHSONIAN NUMISMATIC EXHIBIT EXTENDED

The exhibit of highlights of the National Numismatic Collection
has been extended again, this time through January 2008.

"An exhibition by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American
History which explores rare and historically significant artifacts
from its National Numismatic Collection—more than half of which
have never been on view or have not been displayed for many years.
“Legendary Coins & Currency” draws 56 objects from this
internationally acclaimed collection.

"The display, unique in its interpretive approach, is organized
under five themes: Legendary Firsts, Legendary Beauties, Unexpected
Legends, Golden Legends and Legends of the Human Spirit. Visitors
can examine some of the NNC's rarest and most prized pieces to
learn why history has elevated these artifacts to legendary status.
Of particular interest is the 1913 Liberty Head nickel, one of the
most celebrated 20th-century coins; the 1877 U.S. $50 (“Half Union”)
pattern, the largest U.S. coin ever struck; and the 1849 Double
Eagle ($20), a significant reminder of the California gold rush.
Other objects include a 1652 Massachusetts Pine Tree Shilling;
the 1906 Barber pattern Double Eagle; and the 1907 Saint-Gaudens
Ultra High Relief Double Eagle, often considered to be among
America's most beautiful coins."

To read the complete article, see:
Full Story

For more information on the exhibit, see:
americanhistory.si.edu/coins/visit.cfm
americanhistory.si.edu/coins/flash/exhibition.shtml

[I recall a visit I made to the National Numismatic Collection
many years ago with a small group from the Western Pennsylvania
Numismatic Society.   At that time many of these same collection
highlights were housed together in a single holder, which was
taken from the vault for us to view first hand.  These included
the Half Union patterns.  The new display really does justice
to this small but important group of collection gems.  –Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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