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 Replies: 31 / Views: 2,792 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
I am coming up on #5000 so I thought I would throw a contest here  Your task for this one is to be as creative as possible. The objective is to write a short paragraph about a subject in relation to numismatics. Here is an example(cannot be repeated)- Numismatics is chemistry. Almost all coinage metals are reactive in nature, subject to oxidative conditions. Oxidation is defined as the loss of one or more electrons when two or more substances interact. Oxidation creates everything from rust to Battle Creek Morgans Selection of a metal or alloy is important for coins since you do want them to get many years of circulation, not corrode away in a couple years although that does occasionally happen in times of hardship. In the proper long term conditions, oxidation can be a beautiful process. Numismatists call this "toning". It ranges from beautiful old chocolate colored copper to stunning monster toned silver. Those beautiful colors are formed by the refraction of light off thin oxide layers on silver. The thickness of the oxide layer is what will determine the color. Thanks to chemistry, coins are not just boring lifeless pieces of metal but can become a multi-colored palette.You do not have to be as long winded as my example but it might help your chances of winning  Just start it out as "Numismatics is...". Some subjects will be very easy and obvious to relate to numismatics while others will take some imagination. A particular subject can only be used once, everyone must be original. The contest will run until January 15, 2010 and I will pick a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. First Place will receive a 2010 Silver Eagle(it should be available by 1/15) and a $1 Silver Certificate. Second and Third Place will receive two lesser prizes to be determined.Good Luck  Edited by biokemist6
01/16/2010 7:03 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1534 Posts |
Numismatics is a bridge. A bridge to ancient or recent times, depending on the coin. You can look at the coin and wonder what it has gone through or where it has been. You can look at a coin from the 18th century and wonder if it was at one point George Washington's coin, or you can look at a modern coin and wonder if President Obama has held it. You can wonder what wars it has been through, and use your imagination to think of where it may of been or what it could of been through. You can look at a coin and wonder how life was like when the coin was in circulation, and what people have done with it. Anyone can imagine what a coin has gone through, and the magical ability is has to take the owner back in time. (Unless it is a dipped or cleaned coin.) ) Sounds kind of cheesy, but I figured I would start it off. By the way, neat contest and congrats on 5000 knowledgeable posts.  |
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Valued Member
United States
419 Posts |
Ok well here goes.
Numismatics is Dual History. When you have a coin in hand you hold a piece of history while at the same time the coin holds a depiction of history on itself. It may be a coin that your grandfather held in his pocket and rubbed to remind him to be a good citizen because it held a depiction of Honest Abe. It may be a Commemorative that was given to you as a gift and reminds you of how people have made a difference against all odds. It is history in two dimensions and it is a great hobby. I have coins that I love for their historical figures and depictions as well as the family history they hold. I have a few coins that have either been a necklace or a love token in the past and I love that History squared!
God Bless,
Brad
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
Numismatics is a treasure chest of friends, fun, knowledge, adventure, patience, study, art, discovery, surprise and a lesson in value and preservation. It brings all kinds of people of all ages, together that would not normally mix. It is time well spent.  Edited by TNG
12/27/2009 8:45 pm
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1040 Posts |
Great, great contest, thank you.
Numismatics is so much more than the study of coins. It is a sharing of history and culture, from ancient times to now. It is the science of metallurgy and the art of the sculptor rolled into one. It is the sharing and the gaining of knowledge between friends and strangers alike. It can be practiced on any level from novice to master, while still being equal in the eyes of the other. It can be calming and meditative, while exciting and intoxicating at the same time. It can be undertaken in small steps or giant bounds, limited only by your own desire. It is as much, or as little as you want it to be.
Numismatics is the hobby of kings, for all who practice it are kings.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
532 Posts |
"Numismatics" is, or can be just a colorful label of rationalized obsessive behavior to some. A fancy term for embracing the excitement of unique artwork hidden in plain sight in form of common coin and currency. Appreciation for this art, justification for the behavior of conquest, or the enjoyment of the quest thereof wrapped into a package with a label that reads differently than simply being obsessed with the mundane. Minute varieties on coins that others would overlook as just pocket change. Without such an avatar they are merely vehicles to transport and facilitate other actions. These vehicles themselves become the history and excitement, breathing rich in art when wearing the numismatic label. Geography, Politics, Nature, Architecture, Agriculture, Technology, and History are only some of the identities brimming abound in these vehicles ready to be enjoyed as a when the word is present. A very true statement.....
"Numismatics is........."
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Valued Member
United States
97 Posts |
Numismatics is...fun.
For me it arouses curiosity about who was the first person to get the coin(s) from the bank, what did they buy with it? How much could that particular coin purchase when it was new and where has it traveled from to get to me? Thinking about the path through time of a ancient roman or greek coin, one from the middle ages, the cobs of the "new" world mints of spain, or even those of today from all over the globe.
If they could speek, imagine the tales....
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Valued Member
United States
436 Posts |
Numismatics is a very personal journey. Fro some, like myself, it is a pursuit of both art and history. Looking at those tiny bas-reliefs and contemplating the story behind them. When I look at a Lincoln Cent, I can picture Victor Brenner in deep contemplation of the man who was Abe Lincoln as he worked in his shop, trying to get the features correct, and creating that famous expression on the great man's face. There are also the very personal pursuits. I recently completed a set of Ike dollars. They take me back to my childhood, they are a reminder of a poor but great man, my Dad. Whenever I open the album, I think back to my Dad coming home from work with a big smile on his face. "Guess what I found today?" Then he's make a grand jesture of reaching into his pocket, jingling his change and keys. I'd get excited, and he'd come out with a big, round, shiny Eisenhower dollar, and hand it to me. This was a big gesture, as the man did not have a lot of money, and those dollars added up, even in the 70's. I never kept any of those dollars, as they represented 10 whole candy bars! However, I now have a whole album of them, and pleasant memories every time I look at them. This, to me, is what numismatics is all about. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1304 Posts |
Numismatics is.........
A Life Long Hobby.
Edited by Wornslick
01/05/2010 10:05 pm
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Valued Member
Australia
155 Posts |
Numismatics is...
The bane of my wife and the love of my life.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
792 Posts |
Numismatics is...
American Idol. There are "celebs" already in the numismatics world, but once in a while, a nobody comes along with a new discovery and becomes a star.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
632 Posts |
Numismatics is...a hard word for a lot of people to say. "Ah, you collect coins, what is that?. Numbermatics?...numistatics?...numercritics?". "Yeah, somthin' like that".
Edited by acidic1
01/09/2010 8:45 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
792 Posts |
Numismatics is...
Mathematics.
What's the best way to teach a child how to add, subtract, etc?
"11 Lincolns plus 2 nickels plus 3 dimes equals....?"
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Moderator
 United States
16679 Posts |
Numismatics is....
A never ending educational experience for all to enjoy. From young to old, it is history in the palm of your hand to be past down from generation to generation. All one has to do is close his/her eyes and imagine what that coin may have seen and where it has been. Was it aboard a Wells Fargo stage coach on it's way from Carson City, or how about Abraham Lincoln once holding that Liberty Seated Half now in your collection.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Valued Member
Australia
414 Posts |
Numismatics is the collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects (thanks wikapedia). Hence, numismatics is a way of life in the modern world. For centuries people have collected currency for various reasons including buying objects, artistic pleasure, investment and the list goes on and on. Therefore, numismatics connects us all, regardless of our background, it has done throughout history and will continue to do so into the future. These connections are both good and bad but they exist none the less. We are all numismatists, it's just many 'normal' people just don't know it! Besides....coins are pretty and it's fun to collect them. Edited by b_j_w_79
01/12/2010 10:36 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12437 Posts |
Contest ends at midnight forum time  |
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Replies: 31 / Views: 2,792 |
Posted 12/26/2009 11:53 pm
