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 Replies: 24 / Views: 3,353 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
997 Posts |
We visited Smithsonian's National Museum of American History yesterday and while viewing the abbreviated (due to renovations) Currency section I noticed an error in the description of one of the Lincoln Cents on display. Below the 3 Lincoln Cents on display (43 Steel, 74 Aluminum pattern and 84 Zinc) the description said they changed to the copper plated zinc in 1986.
Well, as we all know here, it was actually changed in mid-1982. I made contact with the curator of the numismatic department and they researched it and concurred it was an error and reported that it would be fixed.
I have curated a few museum displays in the past on other subjects. but never found an error like this at a Smithsonian facility! I give them kudos for owning up to it and responding so quickly.
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Should have grabbed a picture before they got it changed. I wonder how many people actually noticed that
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Valued Member
United States
360 Posts |
That must have been embarrassing for them to own up to that, but at least they did.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
997 Posts |
I did actually! Forgot to post it, here it is:  |
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Perfect  I cant help but wonder what that 74 would fetch on the open market |
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Valued Member
United States
360 Posts |
Also, the sign contradicts itself. I mean the copper-plated zinc penny says 1984, while the statement says 1986.
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Valued Member
United States
386 Posts |
that whole display is a train-wreck.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3167 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1812 Posts |
I believe that there is only One 1974 Aluminum Lincoln Cent that is legal to own as the Congressman who dropped the coin, gave it to one of the capitol workers at the time instead of the Congressman returning it to the Mint as required. I have read that there were some more that are now underground to prevent seizure from the Secret Service or Mint Police... Coin World had done a article on this a few years back. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1903 Posts |
Why did they choose a 1984 cent to represent the copper plated zinc cent? Makes no sense
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Pillar of the Community
United States
997 Posts |
It was probably what the curator had in his pocket...
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:I believe that there is only One 1974 Aluminum Lincoln Cent that is legal to own as the Congressman who dropped the coin, gave it to one of the capitol workers at the time instead of the Congressman returning it to the Mint as required. In the opinion of the government that one is not legal to own either. It did not belong to the Congressman to give away so title remains with the government. If it were to ever come up for auction you would probably find the Secret Service approaching the auction house to confiscate it. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1027 Posts |
Do they still have the $100 million (my estimate) box of coins on display? It contains some of the most valuable US coins in existence, several of which are literally priceless like the 1907 UHRDE pattern (the 27mm one like the 2009 replica).  I have close-ups of most of the coins in the case if anyone is interested. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
997 Posts |
No, the majority of the currency collection is not on display due to renovations.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1027 Posts |
The 1907 UHRDE, 27mm diameter ~4mm thick with raised edge lettering.  1804 Dollar (class 2), only known specimen  Edited by clairhardesty
10/04/2012 1:20 pm
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Moderator
 United States
188440 Posts |
Quote:
I made contact with the curator of the numismatic department and they researched it and concurred it was an error and reported that it would be fixed. Well done! |
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Replies: 24 / Views: 3,353 |
Posted 10/03/2012 9:00 pm
