Coin Story: The Eagle's Tale 的钱币相册

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1795 1/2C Plain Edge, No Pole FR2BN PCGS #1018

Was used to purchase Revere Ware from the original maker. Not a simple task in the pre-Amazon, pre-Paypal, pre-USPS/UPS/FEDEX days. One had to somehow get to Boston - find Paul (seems he was always screaming so that might not have been too hard) - wait while he handcrafted the new silverware - pay him - then ignore the saddle sores and get back on the horse to return to wherever one came from, hoping not to get ambushed on the way home. Times were tough but the coins were surely impressive.

1795 1/2C Plain Edge, No Pole FR2BN PCGS #1018

Was used to purchase Revere Ware from the original maker. Not a simple task in the pre-Amazon, pre-Paypal, pre-USPS/UPS/FEDEX days. One had to somehow get to Boston - find Paul (seems he was always screaming so that might not have been too hard) - wait while he handcrafted the new silverware - pay him - then ignore the saddle sores and get back on the horse to return to wherever one came from, hoping not to get ambushed on the way home. Times were tough but the coins were surely impressive.

1795 1/2C Plain Edge, No Pole FR2BN PCGS #1018

Was used to purchase Revere Ware from the original maker. Not a simple task in the pre-Amazon, pre-Paypal, pre-USPS/UPS/FEDEX days. One had to somehow get to Boston - find Paul (seems he was always screaming so that might not have been too hard) - wait while he handcrafted the new silverware - pay him - then ignore the saddle sores and get back on the horse to return to wherever one came from, hoping not to get ambushed on the way home. Times were tough but the coins were surely impressive.

1807 1/2C F12BN PCGS #1104

Traveling in it's early years in the pockets of pedestrians or those of equine riders, one can only marvel at the changes in transportation this humble half-cent has witnessed - from the age hay and sail - to steam - the internal combustion engine - jets - and who knows what to come. It has rolled, it has sailed, and it has flown - both at altitude in aircraft and at ground level on-board a Suzuki Hayabusa ;) .

1807 1/2C F12BN PCGS #1104

Traveling in it's early years in the pockets of pedestrians or those of equine riders, one can only marvel at the changes in transportation this humble half-cent has witnessed - from the age hay and sail - to steam - the internal combustion engine - jets - and who knows what to come. It has rolled, it has sailed, and it has flown - both at altitude in aircraft and at ground level on-board a Suzuki Hayabusa ;) .

1793 1C Wreath, Vine and Bars G4BN PCGS #1347

Hamilton and Burr flipped this one to determine "first dibs" on weapon. Mr. Hamilton went with "tails" but the coin came up "heads". Bummer.

1793 1C Wreath, Vine and Bars G4BN PCGS #1347

Hamilton and Burr flipped this one to determine "first dibs" on weapon. Mr. Hamilton went with "tails" but the coin came up "heads". Bummer.

1794 1C Head of 1795 F15BN PCGS #1365

This cent, without benefit of informed consent, was involved in human experimentation during 2005. In paying for the piece, a very motivated numismatist, eager to avoid a visit from his favorite dealer's Service the Customer Dept. (aka "Bruiser") proved that human life could be sustained for a period of at least four months on a steady diet of Top Ramen and peanut butter. Follow-up investigations have confirmed this finding and even more extended periods of "Ramen survival" have been documented.

1794 1C Head of 1795 F15BN PCGS #1365

This cent, without benefit of informed consent, was involved in human experimentation during 2005. In paying for the piece, a very motivated numismatist, eager to avoid a visit from his favorite dealer's Service the Customer Dept. (aka "Bruiser") proved that human life could be sustained for a period of at least four months on a steady diet of Top Ramen and peanut butter. Follow-up investigations have confirmed this finding and even more extended periods of "Ramen survival" have been documented.

1807 1C Comet AG3BN PCGS #1531

That streak through the fields? While even the experienced numismatist might assume this Cent to be the "Comet" variety (as did PCGS) - the actual story is: Shrapnel graze from a glaring red rocket during the War of 1812. Former F.S. Key Collection.

1807 1C Comet AG3BN PCGS #1531

That streak through the fields? While even the experienced numismatist might assume this Cent to be the "Comet" variety (as did PCGS) - the actual story is: Shrapnel graze from a glaring red rocket during the War of 1812. Former F.S. Key Collection.

1812 1C Large Date VG10BN PCGS #1564

American control over Lake Champlain was asserted in the War of 1812 when, during September of 1814, sailors of the American Flagship - Saratoga - used cables to quickly turn their vessel such that it might broadside the British flagship, Confiance. The Confiance was concurrently attempting the same maneuver but lost the high-stakes race, receiving a mortal broadside from the 26-gun Saratoga. Commanding the Saratoga was Master Commandant Thomas MacDonough. And in his pocket as the crew toiled was this Cent.

1812 1C Large Date VG10BN PCGS #1564

American control over Lake Champlain was asserted in the War of 1812 when, during September of 1814, sailors of the American Flagship - Saratoga - used cables to quickly turn their vessel such that it might broadside the British flagship, Confiance. The Confiance was concurrently attempting the same maneuver but lost the high-stakes race, receiving a mortal broadside from the 26-gun Saratoga. Commanding the Saratoga was Master Commandant Thomas MacDonough. And in his pocket as the crew toiled was this Cent.

1858 1C Small Letters AG3 PCGS #2020

The astute numismatist will recognize this Cent as the "Sanded Beak Variety" (not attributed on label). After decades of commerce and passing from hand-to-hand the Eagle's snout blends with the left obverse field. This Variety, given the damage/wear incurred from all those transactions, was the inspiration for the expression: "Keep your beak outta my business - or you'll lose it".

1858 1C Small Letters AG3 PCGS #2020

The astute numismatist will recognize this Cent as the "Sanded Beak Variety" (not attributed on label). After decades of commerce and passing from hand-to-hand the Eagle's snout blends with the left obverse field. This Variety, given the damage/wear incurred from all those transactions, was the inspiration for the expression: "Keep your beak outta my business - or you'll lose it".

1910-S 1C VG8BN PCGS #2438

In 1910, within the walls of the branch mint in San Francisco, planchets were punched, the presses rumbled, and this very Cent was struck. While the Granite Lady had been designed to weather an earthquake by essentially "floating" on her foundation, most of the rest of the buildings in the City had not and outside her confines, the recovery processes from the devastating 1906 earthquake were still very evident.

1910-S 1C VG8BN PCGS #2438

In 1910, within the walls of the branch mint in San Francisco, planchets were punched, the presses rumbled, and this very Cent was struck. While the Granite Lady had been designed to weather an earthquake by essentially "floating" on her foundation, most of the rest of the buildings in the City had not and outside her confines, the recovery processes from the devastating 1906 earthquake were still very evident.

1962 1C XF45BN PCGS #2876

From the humble beginnings of a 609,263,019 mintage, this guy worked his way up to a PCGS holder (with "Shield" thank you) AND a professional portrait. Strong evidence that the American Dream is alive and well.

1864 2C Large Motto G6BN PCGS #3576

My Two Cents worth...

1864 2C Large Motto G6BN PCGS #3576

My Two Cents worth...

1866 5C Rays VG8 PCGS #3790

As the Thomas Adams Gum Company - purveyors of Tutti Frutti gum - perfected the first U.S vending machines for their eventual release in 1888, they used this coin to test the mechanisms. This is clearly evidenced by the heavy wear.

1866 5C Rays VG8 PCGS #3790

As the Thomas Adams Gum Company - purveyors of Tutti Frutti gum - perfected the first U.S vending machines for their eventual release in 1888, they used this coin to test the mechanisms. This is clearly evidenced by the heavy wear.

1912-D 5C G4 PCGS #3874

Despite the fate of many "last year of mintage" coins (unless you want to count those cladestinely struck and highly annoying 1913s that I have no hope of ever owning) this nickel was obviously not set aside shortly after its issuance. Instead, it followed a herd of Buffalo Nickels through the roaring Twenties, living the wild life amongst the flappers and being passed thousands of times across speakeasy bars in payment for bootlegged liquor. TIP FOR THE ADVANCED NUMISMATIST: Should you find such rarities as the 1913 nickel as frustrating and unobtainable as I do - simply get a black Sharpie Marker and line-out that reference in your Redbook. You will now have a chance at a complete Liberty Nickel set. Works Great and the markers are much more affordable than the rarities! For Type collectors: I recommend cutting out entire pages - such as those regarding the Small Eagle-Draped Bust Half.

1912-D 5C G4 PCGS #3874

Despite the fate of many "last year of mintage" coins (unless you want to count those cladestinely struck and highly annoying 1913s that I have no hope of ever owning) this nickel was obviously not set aside shortly after its issuance. Instead, it followed a herd of Buffalo Nickels through the roaring Twenties, living the wild life amongst the flappers and being passed thousands of times across speakeasy bars in payment for bootlegged liquor. TIP FOR THE ADVANCED NUMISMATIST: Should you find such rarities as the 1913 nickel as frustrating and unobtainable as I do - simply get a black Sharpie Marker and line-out that reference in your Redbook. You will now have a chance at a complete Liberty Nickel set. Works Great and the markers are much more affordable than the rarities! For Type collectors: I recommend cutting out entire pages - such as those regarding the Small Eagle-Draped Bust Half.

1913-D 5C Type 1 PO1 PCGS #3916

Though I couldn't comment with any degree of certainty on the whereabouts of this coin during its working days, it obviously passed through many hands. I can, however, authoritatively address its history over the last 40-plus years. (Please note that I have not let annoying details - like a lack of facts - stop me from discerning where the other coins in this collection spent their working lives.) Somehow, as a kid, this one ended up in my first collection. Likely sources? I might have pulled it out of circulation - was rare but I can remember the big thrill of getting a Buffalo in change from time to time. Second possibility is that Dad gave it to me - I came across my numismatic addiction the old-fashioned way - genetically. Whatever the case: When I left home and my parents gleefully turned my former bedroom into the dining room they'd always wanted, this nickel found its way into a box with the rest of my charter collection. After both parents had passed - I found that box in the crawl space beneath the house and was re-united with many "old friends". Lots of memories associated with this humble little piece and I can't say I wasn't thrilled when it returned from PCGS in a PO01 holder. HOME MADE, the first 1913D PCGS graded as a PO01.

1913-D 5C Type 1 PO1 PCGS #3916

Though I couldn't comment with any degree of certainty on the whereabouts of this coin during its working days, it obviously passed through many hands. I can, however, authoritatively address its history over the last 40-plus years. (Please note that I have not let annoying details - like a lack of facts - stop me from discerning where the other coins in this collection spent their working lives.) Somehow, as a kid, this one ended up in my first collection. Likely sources? I might have pulled it out of circulation - was rare but I can remember the big thrill of getting a Buffalo in change from time to time. Second possibility is that Dad gave it to me - I came across my numismatic addiction the old-fashioned way - genetically. Whatever the case: When I left home and my parents gleefully turned my former bedroom into the dining room they'd always wanted, this nickel found its way into a box with the rest of my charter collection. After both parents had passed - I found that box in the crawl space beneath the house and was re-united with many "old friends". Lots of memories associated with this humble little piece and I can't say I wasn't thrilled when it returned from PCGS in a PO01 holder. HOME MADE, the first 1913D PCGS graded as a PO01.

1915-D 5C FR2 PCGS #3928

Bounced off the smooth surface of the largest plate, hit the side of an adjacent glass, and - as its kinetic energy finally disappated - fell onto the cloth covered surface between the two. Another loser at the County Fair plate toss!

1915-D 5C FR2 PCGS #3928

Bounced off the smooth surface of the largest plate, hit the side of an adjacent glass, and - as its kinetic energy finally disappated - fell onto the cloth covered surface between the two. Another loser at the County Fair plate toss!

1831 H10C AG3 PCGS #4278

1831: This little Half Dime was minted and the United State's National Debt was approaching zero for the first and, to this point, only time in the nation's history - finally achieved in 1835. Sadly, the denomination was declared obsolete 42-years after this specimen was struck but the nation's indebtedness made a comeback in 1836 and thrives to this day - in a big way - a VERY big way. (How many Half Dimes would it take to pay-off the current U.S. debt burden anyway...)

1831 H10C AG3 PCGS #4278

1831: This little Half Dime was minted and the United State's National Debt was approaching zero for the first and, to this point, only time in the nation's history - finally achieved in 1835. Sadly, the denomination was declared obsolete 42-years after this specimen was struck but the nation's indebtedness made a comeback in 1836 and thrives to this day - in a big way - a VERY big way. (How many Half Dimes would it take to pay-off the current U.S. debt burden anyway...)

1805 10C 4 Berries FR2 PCGS #4477

Gratuity given by Tom J. in appreciation to one of his other slaves for maintaining silence about the "Sally Hemings Thing."

1805 10C 4 Berries FR2 PCGS #4477

Gratuity given by Tom J. in appreciation to one of his other slaves for maintaining silence about the "Sally Hemings Thing."

1821 10C Large Date FR2 PCGS #4496

In 1821 Mexico declared its independence from Spain - as did Peru, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo). In the same year, Spain ceded Florida to the United States. In view of all thist: One would have to imagine that 1821 was a much more "lustrous" year for this Dime than it was for Spain.

1821 10C Large Date FR2 PCGS #4496

In 1821 Mexico declared its independence from Spain - as did Peru, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo). In the same year, Spain ceded Florida to the United States. In view of all thist: One would have to imagine that 1821 was a much more "lustrous" year for this Dime than it was for Spain.

1837 10C Seated, Large Date VG8 PCGS #4561

Pre-Hollywood: Stars not required or needed.

1837 10C Seated, Large Date VG8 PCGS #4561

Pre-Hollywood: Stars not required or needed.

1876-CC 10C FR2 PCGS #4680

When accused murderer "Deacon Jim" Miller hit the end of an Okla. lynch mob's rope (after stating "let 'er rip!") - this dime made it to the ground through the hole in his pocket and was retrieved by a bystander.

1876-CC 10C FR2 PCGS #4680

When accused murderer "Deacon Jim" Miller hit the end of an Okla. lynch mob's rope (after stating "let 'er rip!") - this dime made it to the ground through the hole in his pocket and was retrieved by a bystander.

1905 10C FR2 PCGS #4835

On the horse and cart filled streets of New York City, when still with mint-state luster, this dime was given by a father to his son - so that he might present it to the organ grinder's small monkey.

1905 10C FR2 PCGS #4835

On the horse and cart filled streets of New York City, when still with mint-state luster, this dime was given by a father to his son - so that he might present it to the organ grinder's small monkey.

1919-S 10C G4 PCGS #4926

On July 21, 1961, after a successful mission and splashdown, explosive hatch-release bolts on the space capsule Liberty 7 blew unexpectedly and the craft quickly flooded. Astronaut Gus Grissom nearly drowned in the ensuing melee. Grissom, in reference to his struggle for survival in the Pacific was later quoted: "I had brought along two rolls of fifty dimes each for the children of friends, three one dollar bills, some small models of the capsule and two sets of pilot's wings. These were all adding weight that I could have done without." Naturally - in honor of Mercury Program - the dimes he carried were Mercs. - I'm just sure this must be one of them. (Hey! It's my collection - humor me...)

1919-S 10C G4 PCGS #4926

On July 21, 1961, after a successful mission and splashdown, explosive hatch-release bolts on the space capsule Liberty 7 blew unexpectedly and the craft quickly flooded. Astronaut Gus Grissom nearly drowned in the ensuing melee. Grissom, in reference to his struggle for survival in the Pacific was later quoted: "I had brought along two rolls of fifty dimes each for the children of friends, three one dollar bills, some small models of the capsule and two sets of pilot's wings. These were all adding weight that I could have done without." Naturally - in honor of Mercury Program - the dimes he carried were Mercs. - I'm just sure this must be one of them. (Hey! It's my collection - humor me...)

1875-S 20C FR2 PCGS #5298

The only one that Annie Oakley ever actually MISSED!!! Lack of a bullet hole proves this hypothesis.

1875-S 20C FR2 PCGS #5298

The only one that Annie Oakley ever actually MISSED!!! Lack of a bullet hole proves this hypothesis.

1807 25C FR2 PCGS #5316

When John Quincy Adams wasn't busy fighting slavery or skinny-dipping in the Potomac, he reveled in gardening - even raising his own vegetables on the grounds of the White House. The accumulated dirt along the devices of this Quarter arrived at the present location over 200 years ago as John Quincy fumbled through his pockets after a tough day fighting moral injustices and tending to the tomatoes. This piece is as original as a 200 year-old coin can get, carrying enough grime to grow its own crops.

1807 25C FR2 PCGS #5316

When John Quincy Adams wasn't busy fighting slavery or skinny-dipping in the Potomac, he reveled in gardening - even raising his own vegetables on the grounds of the White House. The accumulated dirt along the devices of this Quarter arrived at the present location over 200 years ago as John Quincy fumbled through his pockets after a tough day fighting moral injustices and tending to the tomatoes. This piece is as original as a 200 year-old coin can get, carrying enough grime to grow its own crops.

1876-CC 25C AG3 PCGS #5502

William "Buffalo Bill" Cody found the edge of this quarter quite handy when taking down his Winchester for cleaning.

1876-CC 25C AG3 PCGS #5502

William "Buffalo Bill" Cody found the edge of this quarter quite handy when taking down his Winchester for cleaning.

1896-O 25C AG3 PCGS #5614

Legend has it that as Robert Johnson walked away from the Crossroads and Legba - he carried with him his guitar, this quarter and the "gift" of the blues - for which he had traded something far more dear than currency.

1896-O 25C AG3 PCGS #5614

Legend has it that as Robert Johnson walked away from the Crossroads and Legba - he carried with him his guitar, this quarter and the "gift" of the blues - for which he had traded something far more dear than currency.

1917 25C Type 1 G4 PCGS #5706

The astute numismatist will note the rather odd orangish toning on the upper obverse perimeter of this coin. Very clearly, this coloraton is somewhat unusual in any piece - especially one with such advanced wear. I'm sure such hues could only have been caused by contact with a substance unknown to man or the PCGS "Sniifer" and subsequent exposure to ionic intereference during warp-speed travel. Evidence of an alien abduction? Judge for yourself but I'm sticking with the story, resubmitting the sucker, and going for the vaunted PCGS "Extraterrestrial" designation. Does my heart good to think I only paid $7.00 for this thing...

1917 25C Type 1 G4 PCGS #5706

The astute numismatist will note the rather odd orangish toning on the upper obverse perimeter of this coin. Very clearly, this coloraton is somewhat unusual in any piece - especially one with such advanced wear. I'm sure such hues could only have been caused by contact with a substance unknown to man or the PCGS "Sniifer" and subsequent exposure to ionic intereference during warp-speed travel. Evidence of an alien abduction? Judge for yourself but I'm sticking with the story, resubmitting the sucker, and going for the vaunted PCGS "Extraterrestrial" designation. Does my heart good to think I only paid $7.00 for this thing...

1927-S 25C G4 PCGS #5764

This Liberty throughout the test of the Great Depression.

1927-S 25C G4 PCGS #5764

This Liberty throughout the test of the Great Depression.

1934 25C Medium Motto FR2 PCGS #5793

Tragically documents the sometimes questionable judgements of youth. As a budding numismatist, young Jon's attention turned to Washington Quarters. He studied, he saved, he persevered, and he got lucky - somehow managing to procure a 1934 Medium Motto Washington in mint state. A quarter with booming luster and no marks - surely an MS68 by today's standards. Then came the dawn of the video arcade and, in 1980, that most addictive of all games: "Centipede". Short of cash and desperate to break his own personal record - Jon pilfered his collection and headed to the arcade, in search of the glory and the peer group admiration that would surely be his. In his pocket was the coin you see here - now reduced to a FR02. In 2011, our now older and wiser numismatist rediscovered his old friend while searching through the junk silver bin of his employer at the behest of a somewhat eccentric but generally harmless client (me!). Upon recognition a tear welled in the corner of his eye and he could only mumble - "You could've been a top of the pop contender." (Names have not been changed to protect the guilty.)

1934 25C Medium Motto FR2 PCGS #5793

Tragically documents the sometimes questionable judgements of youth. As a budding numismatist, young Jon's attention turned to Washington Quarters. He studied, he saved, he persevered, and he got lucky - somehow managing to procure a 1934 Medium Motto Washington in mint state. A quarter with booming luster and no marks - surely an MS68 by today's standards. Then came the dawn of the video arcade and, in 1980, that most addictive of all games: "Centipede". Short of cash and desperate to break his own personal record - Jon pilfered his collection and headed to the arcade, in search of the glory and the peer group admiration that would surely be his. In his pocket was the coin you see here - now reduced to a FR02. In 2011, our now older and wiser numismatist rediscovered his old friend while searching through the junk silver bin of his employer at the behest of a somewhat eccentric but generally harmless client (me!). Upon recognition a tear welled in the corner of his eye and he could only mumble - "You could've been a top of the pop contender." (Names have not been changed to protect the guilty.)

1795 50C G6 PCGS #6052

When, due to an accounting error, the initial down-payment of $3-million in gold to France for the Louisiana Territory fell 50-cents short... Thomas Jefferson had this Half hastily delivered to Napoleon's Philadelphia emmisary (read that: "Take the fast horse and don't stop at the tavern") in order that the Emperor's notorious temper not be triggered.

1795 50C G6 PCGS #6052

When, due to an accounting error, the initial down-payment of $3-million in gold to France for the Louisiana Territory fell 50-cents short... Thomas Jefferson had this Half hastily delivered to Napoleon's Philadelphia emmisary (read that: "Take the fast horse and don't stop at the tavern") in order that the Emperor's notorious temper not be triggered.

1806/5 50C Large Stars VG10 PCGS #6077

Catalyst for a brawl in a small New England town and the inspiration for "Extreme Numismatics". In January, 2007, I received a call from my favorite coin-guy Jon. He was alerting some of his regulars that this piece was available. Trusting his always stellar judgement, I bought it sight-unseen and right then and there. Unfortunately, one of the firm's other reps. (aka "Other Paul") had also spotted the piece and was concurrently notifying some of his clients. The ensuing conflict was resolved only when "Other Paul" made the mistake of reaching over a cubicle wall into my guy's turf and was promptly met upside-the-head by a roll of Morgan Dollars. (Don't fret - they were problem coins - Jon is a stickler for originality and would never risk rim-bruising a good coin on anybody's cranium.) Thanks as always Jon! Note: Extreme Numismatics will soon be an exhibition event at the X-Games.

1806/5 50C Large Stars VG10 PCGS #6077

Catalyst for a brawl in a small New England town and the inspiration for "Extreme Numismatics". In January, 2007, I received a call from my favorite coin-guy Jon. He was alerting some of his regulars that this piece was available. Trusting his always stellar judgement, I bought it sight-unseen and right then and there. Unfortunately, one of the firm's other reps. (aka "Other Paul") had also spotted the piece and was concurrently notifying some of his clients. The ensuing conflict was resolved only when "Other Paul" made the mistake of reaching over a cubicle wall into my guy's turf and was promptly met upside-the-head by a roll of Morgan Dollars. (Don't fret - they were problem coins - Jon is a stickler for originality and would never risk rim-bruising a good coin on anybody's cranium.) Thanks as always Jon! Note: Extreme Numismatics will soon be an exhibition event at the X-Games.

1832 50C Small Letters G4 PCGS #6160

Resting in the sunlight on the desk of Edgar Allen Poe - this half, with its long since vanished luster, caught the eye of a curious raven...

1832 50C Small Letters G4 PCGS #6160

Resting in the sunlight on the desk of Edgar Allen Poe - this half, with its long since vanished luster, caught the eye of a curious raven...

1837 50C FR2 PCGS #6176

Among the first of the Reeded Edge Halves to go into circulation and, by all appearances, one of the last of the first to be removed. Given that halves were the backbone of U.S. coinage at the time - it must surely have a thousand tales to tell.

1837 50C FR2 PCGS #6176

Among the first of the Reeded Edge Halves to go into circulation and, by all appearances, one of the last of the first to be removed. Given that halves were the backbone of U.S. coinage at the time - it must surely have a thousand tales to tell.

1837 50C FR2 PCGS #6176

Among the first of the Reeded Edge Halves to go into circulation and, by all appearances, one of the last of the first to be removed. Given that halves were the backbone of U.S. coinage at the time - it must surely have a thousand tales to tell.

1858-O 50C AG3 PCGS #6294

Minted in the old South as the United States approached its darkest hour. In passing from hand-to-hand, first as a mechanism of commerce and later as a collectable, the history and the magnitude of change witnessed by this piece cannot be overestimated. Might it have been employed, early in its existance, to purchase a slave? Where was it during the battles that tore through the South during the Civil War? Did a Southern famiy, desperate to protect what little they had left, hide it from Sherman's advancing armies? Carpetbaggers? What role did in play in the reconstruction? Nearly a 100 years after its creation - did it hear the cries of Freedom Marchers? One can only wonder...

1858-O 50C AG3 PCGS #6294

Minted in the old South as the United States approached its darkest hour. In passing from hand-to-hand, first as a mechanism of commerce and later as a collectable, the history and the magnitude of change witnessed by this piece cannot be overestimated. Might it have been employed, early in its existance, to purchase a slave? Where was it during the battles that tore through the South during the Civil War? Did a Southern famiy, desperate to protect what little they had left, hide it from Sherman's advancing armies? Carpetbaggers? What role did in play in the reconstruction? Nearly a 100 years after its creation - did it hear the cries of Freedom Marchers? One can only wonder...

1866 50C Motto AG3 PCGS #6319

On May 10, 1869 the Transcontinental Railroad was completed and a ceremonial golden spike being placed where east met west at Promontory Summit, Utah. This freshly-minted Half traveled from the East to Utah in the vest pocket of an attending railroad executive. Later spent during celebrations it memorializes the ease with which goods and persons could now travel from one coast to the other - the required passage time being reduced from six months to one week.

1866 50C Motto AG3 PCGS #6319

On May 10, 1869 the Transcontinental Railroad was completed and a ceremonial golden spike being placed where east met west at Promontory Summit, Utah. This freshly-minted Half traveled from the East to Utah in the vest pocket of an attending railroad executive. Later spent during celebrations it memorializes the ease with which goods and persons could now travel from one coast to the other - the required passage time being reduced from six months to one week.

1912 50C VG8 PCGS #6524

With the "Great War" far on the horizon, this Half undoubtedly passed through the hands of many a future doughboy.

1912 50C VG8 PCGS #6524

With the "Great War" far on the horizon, this Half undoubtedly passed through the hands of many a future doughboy.

1916-D 50C AG3 PCGS #6567

The aspiring Ansel Adams, during a 1920s excursion to Yosemite, discovered that one leg of his tripod had become inoperable. In desperation to level his final shot of the day - he placed this half beneath one footing of the tripod. The resulting image - "Monolith: The Face of Half Dome" - is widely regarded as one of his finest works.

1916-D 50C AG3 PCGS #6567

The aspiring Ansel Adams, during a 1920s excursion to Yosemite, discovered that one leg of his tripod had become inoperable. In desperation to level his final shot of the day - he placed this half beneath one footing of the tripod. The resulting image - "Monolith: The Face of Half Dome" - is widely regarded as one of his finest works.

1870 $1 VF20 PCGS #6963

Though the coin itself is devoid of any known captivating tale, the metal of which it is composed is significant. Did you ever wonder what become of the 30 pieces of silver given Judas in his betrayal of Jesus? You're looking at some of it!

1870 $1 VF20 PCGS #6963

Though the coin itself is devoid of any known captivating tale, the metal of which it is composed is significant. Did you ever wonder what become of the 30 pieces of silver given Judas in his betrayal of Jesus? You're looking at some of it!

1877-S T$1 VG8 PCGS #7046

Crossed the high seas to China in the hold a Clipper Ship and returned a little worn but otherwise unscathed, having somehow dodged all attempts to chopmark.

1877-S T$1 VG8 PCGS #7046

Crossed the high seas to China in the hold a Clipper Ship and returned a little worn but otherwise unscathed, having somehow dodged all attempts to chopmark.

1878-CC $1 FR2 PCGS #7080

As "Devil's Rope" spread and the fence cutting wars raged - this coin rode in many a cowboy's saddlebags. Not just another namby-pamby-MS-GSA Morgan!

1878-CC $1 FR2 PCGS #7080

As "Devil's Rope" spread and the fence cutting wars raged - this coin rode in many a cowboy's saddlebags. Not just another namby-pamby-MS-GSA Morgan!

1921 $1 High Relief, Peace FR2 PCGS #7356

In 1924, Harry Houdini made this coin "disappear" during his magic act. It suddenly reappeared in my collection almost 90 years later. Real shame he didn't work more with Small Eagle Draped Bust Halves...

1921 $1 High Relief, Peace FR2 PCGS #7356

In 1924, Harry Houdini made this coin "disappear" during his magic act. It suddenly reappeared in my collection almost 90 years later. Real shame he didn't work more with Small Eagle Draped Bust Halves...

1922-S $1 AG3 PCGS #7359

It was in September of 1969 that a leather-skinned Arizona cow-punch met a Woodstock alumni as she passed through the desert on her way back to Haight-Ashbury. Locals said that the relationship, given the disparate views and tastes of the two individuals, could never last but - somehow - until Jake passed 35 years later - it did. Perhaps it was the little things that made it all work - the knowing smile - the gentle humor - and the small gestures... As when Jake, in 1970, removed the traditional Morgan Dollar from his belt buckle and replaced it, in a concession to Moonbeam, with this PEACE Dollar.

1922-S $1 AG3 PCGS #7359

It was in September of 1969 that a leather-skinned Arizona cow-punch met a Woodstock alumni as she passed through the desert on her way back to Haight-Ashbury. Locals said that the relationship, given the disparate views and tastes of the two individuals, could never last but - somehow - until Jake passed 35 years later - it did. Perhaps it was the little things that made it all work - the knowing smile - the gentle humor - and the small gestures... As when Jake, in 1970, removed the traditional Morgan Dollar from his belt buckle and replaced it, in a concession to Moonbeam, with this PEACE Dollar.

1922-S $1 AG3 PCGS #7359

It was in September of 1969 that a leather-skinned Arizona cow-punch met a Woodstock alumni as she passed through the desert on her way back to Haight-Ashbury. Locals said that the relationship, given the disparate views and tastes of the two individuals, could never last but - somehow - until Jake passed 35 years later - it did. Perhaps it was the little things that made it all work - the knowing smile - the gentle humor - and the small gestures... As when Jake, in 1970, removed the traditional Morgan Dollar from his belt buckle and replaced it, in a concession to Moonbeam, with this PEACE Dollar.