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 Replies: 10 / Views: 2,460 |
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Moderator
 United States
15395 Posts |
Humbly suggest that one of the many joys available from the tremendous classic silver commemorative series is the ability to re-connect with USA history ... based on the images captured on these coins. There are many distinctive images captured on these coins ... each is unique in the history of USA coinage ... and it is possible today to visit the scenes and enjoy a true connection between the coin and USA history. I made that connection today ... a trip to the Antietam National Battlefield. I'm not a Civil War expert ... but truly have always enjoyed my type set example of the Battle of Antietam Half Dollar ... 1937 Antietam Half DollarPCGS MS67/CAC ...  What we know today as the Burnside Bridge was constructed in 1836 ... originally known as the Rohrbace Bride for a local resident ... and was one of the central battle points on Sept 17, 1862. I was there today ... marveling at the history and humbled at the loss of American life that occurred at what is now a quiet spot across the Antietam creek. This photo is somewhat representative of sculptor William Marks Simpson perspective on the coins reverse.  This photo shows the view the Union soldiers faced ... looking uphill towards the Georgia soldiers that held the high ground on that fateful day in September 1862 when 23,000 Americans were killed or wounded ..  Truly humbling to walk that ground with birds singing and the creek quietly slipping by ... Makes me wish to visit the other sites on my coins ... anyone else care to share a similar experience? David |
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Moderator
United States
16677 Posts |
Incredible history, isn't it? Such a tumultuous time in our Nations history. I will visit Gettysburg for the first time in August...I know I will take a moment of silence at every stop.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2049 Posts |
Very cool pictures and an absolutely gorgeous coin. If I ever started focusing more on numismatics again (versus doing bullion now), the half dollar commeroratives would be high on my list.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3294 Posts |
I want to get one of these for my 7070, I love that design.
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Valued Member
United States
424 Posts |
Very nice coin, and welcome to Maryland. I live maybe 20 minutes from there. Very cool to get an actual photo almost matching the reverse! edit: didn't realize you were in Maryland...  ...I live in Frederick. silly me. Edited by Funny Money
06/23/2012 10:47 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Thats one of the coins that just gives me shivers looking at. I have yet to get that one as I am holding out for that perfect looking 67 for me as I want this to be one of the keystones of my set. I absolutely love this coin, and this thread, and love your coin. I hope to add one just like it one day.
Wouldnt happen to be for sale is it lol
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2936 Posts |
And another shot by Matthew B. Brady in the moment. I strongly recommend the book " Mathew B. Brady, America's First Great Photographer" for any of those with a deep interest in our Civil War history. I bought it used for the price of a decent common date Morgan and can't get enough of it. PG  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2049 Posts |
I find myself revisiting this thread again and again. The pictures of the coin and the pictures of the bridge captivate me. I hve always been intrigued by Civil War history and of course coins, so this combines both nicely.
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
Beautiful coin, pictures, and writing.  |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12257 Posts |
Wonderful story and pictures of the bridge -- Antietam is definitely on my list of sites to visit over the next year or two.
I've visited a couple of sites related to US commemoratives. One was Ft. Vancouver out in Washington state. The site today hosts a reconstructed fort and a number of reconstructed buildings within it; what remained of the original structures were lost to a fire in 1866. The reconstruction is well-researched and historically accurate, however, so it provides a very true sense of what it was like in its day. I would definitely recommend a visit if you're ever in the area.
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2295 Posts |
Awesome coin. I want to visit that site some day. It is about a 7 hour drive for me though.
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Replies: 10 / Views: 2,460 |
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Posted 06/23/2012 10:23 pm
