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Sept 2006
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You all know that I am not a collector of traditional United States coins. My leaning for at least the last twenty five years has been and is obsolete paper money. I enjoy seeing and studying pieces of historical paper. On the other hand when I come into contact with some really amazing United States coinage, some material that is almost like looking into John B.’s coin cabinet, I have to take note. I had one of those experiences last week. The occasion was an extra day stay over in New York City following a nearly week long series of meetings.
On my last day in New York I decided to explore some of the areas I hadn’t had time to look into in previous visits. I started with Smythe and Company, the large auction firm that specializes in rare paper. I then walked down Wall Street and paid homage to the Stock Exchange building. My last stop before heading back to the subway and ultimately to the airport was at the New York Federal Reserve Building. At this location is the inspirational opportunity I spoke of just above. In the lobby, under very secure circumstances, is a display placed by the American Numismatic Society called; “Drachmas, Doubloons, and Dollars: The History of Money.” And that it was!! Every aspect of the numismatic world was offered for historic consideration starting with the very earliest material, the type of which John H. will share at our next meeting.
After working through the exhibit I came to the ultimate point of amazement. Picture a circle with about an eight inch diameter. Fashion a circle around that line and place coins on the circle and at the center of the circle. Here is what I saw in that small space: A nice Brasher Doubloon, a beautiful high grade 1907 High Relief Double Eagle, an original 1861 Confederate reverse half dollar, an 1804 Silver Dollar, and the only publicly held 1933 Double Eagle. Not a shabby representation in the field of United States collectible coins. That moment alone was worth the trip downtown.
Suffice it to say that we can learn a great deal from the interests of each other. I know that at least two of the items in the display were on loan to the ANS. The generous benefactors are appreciated. On occasion somebody in the club will ask why we do both show and tell, and a program at each meeting. The answer is simple. First, we are a not for profit educational organization and how can we educate without the opportunity? Secondly, there is within the Greater Houston Coin Club a wealth of variety of material and information that will amaze and educate.
I look forward to sharing in another “amazing and educational” opportunity with you on September 21st. We’ll meet at the same time and same place. There will be a great program and some interesting items to explore during show and tell. We’ll also have a brief time to hear from the teachers we sent to the ANA “Coins in the Classroom” summer seminar.
Regards and God Bless,
Richard
